Kuzbass coal production declined in January-May 2026 amid rising losses and logistics pressure.
Under the Ministry of Coal Industry of Kuzbass, in January-May 2026, coal mining enterprises in Kuzbass produced 77.7 mio t (-4.1 mio t or -5.0% vs. Jan-May 2025).
Export supplies from Kuzbass in January-May 2026 totaled 45.5 mio t (+1.9 mio t or +4.4% vs. Jan-May 2025).
The fall in global prices, coupled with a rise in production costs and logistics expenses, resulted in increased losses. The share of unprofitable companies reached 63%, compared to 61% a year earlier. 62 enterprises remain in the red zone, of which 20 have already stopped mining, while the rest are on the verge of halting operations.
The crisis in the coal industry, on the back of sanctions, high railway tariffs, firming ruble as well as rising costs and logistical constraints, will further adversely affect the production and supplies of high-quality Russian coal to the global market in 2026.
Source: CCA
