Ukraine has halted coking coal extraction near the city of Pokrovsk as Russian forces advance in the region, Reuters reported. The Pokrovsk coal mine, located 10 kilometers west of the city, is Ukraine’s only producer of coking coal, a critical component for steelmaking, which is the nation’s second-largest export after agriculture.
Owned by steelmaker Metinvest BV, the mine has ceased underground production due to escalating fighting and is now limited to surface operations. Pokrovsk serves as a vital logistics hub for Ukrainian forces, making it a focal point in Russia’s offensive in Donetsk Oblast.
Before the war, Ukrainian steelmakers projected annual production of 7.5 million metric tons in 2024, with plans to exceed 10 million tons by 2025. Steel product exports generated nearly $2 billion in the first eight months of 2024. However, losing Pokrovsk could cut production to just 2-3 million tons annually, severely impacting Ukraine’s steel industry and export revenues.
