Strategizing of transformations in the coal mining industry of Kuzbass

Abstract

Preparing for the 300th anniversary of Kuzbass it is important to remember that coal mining has always been the basis of the region’s development, of building up a vast net of towns and cities, of the economic freedom of the region. Coal has always been and will forever remain the mineral wealth of Kuzbass. No other region of Russia enjoys it in such abundant concentration. Reasonable exploration of this resource, its mining and processing ensure the future development of the region, contributing to many other social, industrial and infrastructural projects. Simultaneously, the widespread demonization of coal has recently been increasing due to climate and environment changes interpreted and promoted by populist ecological movements. So coal mining and coal generation are blamed for all the environmental disasters on the Earth. At the same time coal as the main energy carrier occupies less place in the fuel and energy balance of Russia. Thus, strategizing of coal mining industry of Kuzbass as the leading coal region of the country is the acute problem both from the scientific and practical viewpoint. The way it is solved will determine the life and the vector of development of an important region of Russia. The article outlines the basic problems of development of coal industry, the trends affecting the current situation at the energy markets and the situation in the coal mining industry of Kuzbass.