The meeting was held in a mixed format, combining an in-person meeting as part of Energy Day at the International RUSSIA forum and exhibition in Moscow, and a videoconference.
The discussion focused on the development of the coal industry in the Donetsk and Lugansk people’s republics.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak, Head of the Donetsk People’s Republic Denis Pushilin, Head of the Lugansk People’s Republic Leonid Pasechnik, Deputy Energy Minister Sergei Mochalnikov, Deputy Head of the Federal Service for Environmental, Technological, and Nuclear Supervision (Rostekhnadzor) Vadim Sergeyev, as well as representatives of relevant federal and regional executive authorities, coal mining companies, and the expert community.
In his opening remarks, Alexander Novak emphasised the paramount importance of the coal mining industry for Donbass, noting that its development is the focus area of the Russian Government.
Sergei Tsivilev noted that Kuzbass and Donbass are bonded by the coal industry’s centuries-long history, and offered to provide assistance to Donbass, such as scientific support and introducing advanced technologies for coal mining and processing, drawing on the experience of the Kuzbass Research and Educational Centre.
Igor Levitin drew attention to the significance of state support for the coal mining industry in the Donetsk and Lugansk people’s republics, as well as Donbass’ close cooperation with coal mining regions of Russia and efforts to share the best regional practices.
Denis Pushilin and Leonid Pasechnik gave an update on the progress of coal industry reforms in the regions, adding that the advancement of Donbass coal enterprises requires investments, equipment modernisation, and sales markets expansion.
Particular attention was given to discussing improvements to laws and regulations as part of the ongoing integration into the Russian legal system, and efforts to ensure industrial and environmental safety.
Representatives of Donbass enterprises reported on current coal mining activities and made proposals for specific support measures.
Sergei Mochalnikov provided an update on the efforts of Russia’s Energy Ministry to develop the coal industry, including measures to restructure operating mines and ensure hydrogeological and environmental safety in the Donetsk and Lugansk people’s republics.
Vadim Sergeyev reported on Rostekhnadzor’s efforts to ensure compliance with industrial safety requirements at coal industry enterprises in the Donetsk and Lugansk people’s republics.
The participants drafted proposals to be submitted for consideration by the Russian Government.