Issues that directly apply to millions of Russian citizens, miners, and their families, were addressed by Vladimir Putin at his meeting with the governors of coal regions. Over the next 15 years, the production of this type of fuel will grow by at least 25%. In terms of coal export volumes, Russia's already in the top three. It controls 14% of the world coal market. How to increase production without harming the environment and how to make mines perfectly safe were key issues addressed at the meeting.
The strategic plans for the development of the coal industry imply an annual production increase of 30 million tons. According to the most optimistic estimates, it could reach 67 million by 2035. The president appreciated the coal regions' readiness to step up the pace but asked to pay special attention to the environment and social security for the miners. But first, he wished them a happy Miners Day, which is coming up shortly, namely this Sunday.
Vladimir Putin: "A miner’s hard and often high-risk job enjoys great and well-deserved respect in our country. A miner’s tough character is passed down from generation to generation. Our glorious miners have always demonstrated courage, integrity, perseverance, and earnest work".
Despite the fact that the percentage of coal in the world energy balance is steadily falling, its total production volumes continue to grow, both in traditional regions and in such regions as the Arctic. Coal-mining companies actively invest in new equipment. Labor productivity is also growing. There's a shortage of qualified workers in the coal-mining centers. Governors are helping the companies resolve that issue.
Andrey Travnikov, governor: "We have an agreement with the universities and vocational school in Novosibirsk. They're going to train the required number of specialists of various qualifications within the next two years".
One industry pulls several others along. But it's important to remember the people who make it all happen.
Vladimir Putin: "It's unacceptable to try to produce millions of tons of coal to the detriment of the environment. Nor should we forget how people live and what problems they face, we should know whether their family members have ample employment opportunities, as well as whether they have enough preschool, healthcare, and education facilities, and besides this, we should deal with improving miners' cities and towns. These highly important and significant matters directly affect tens and hundreds of thousands of people, even millions, if we take their families into consideration".
Governors of seven coal regions were invited to the meeting: Komi, Yakutia, Khakassia, Novosibirsk Oblast, Kuzbas, Krasnoyarsk Krai, and Khabarovsk Krai. Each governor had their own set of proposals on what to do first. Everybody agreed that railroad transportation needs to have fixed prices so that coal companies can plan for the long term. The eastern areas must also be developed. Another issue to tackle is the crumbling housing in miner towns.
Sergey Tsivilyov, governor: "We can't keep dragging the issue of crumbling housing for so long. We must resolve it within three years".
Yes, miners get paid well. The average wage in the industry is 61,000 rubles ($930) per month. However, their working environment is tough. Labor unions ask to address the issues of miners' healthcare. They desperately need an after-shift rehabilitation program. The wage scale also needs to be put in order.
Ivan Mokhanchuk, trade union leader: "A drill operator from Vorkuta spent 32 years underground. According to the federal law, he's entitled to a preferential pension. But he must be on the list. But it says "drilling foreman." "Drilling foreman" and "drill operator" is essentially the same thing. But we had to work hard to make sure he got his pension".
Vladimir Putin: "That's just stupid, it's unnecessarily complicated. It makes no sense that the two names of the same job complicate it so much. It must be restructured in accordance with common sense".
The strategic objective is to remain in the top three of the world coal powers.
Vladimir Putin: "Speaking of international trade, Russia's involvement is also increasing. Over the last ten years, it's grown from 9% to 14%. We're in the top three, right?"
- That's right. Russia's in the top three, along with Australia and Indonesia.
- Our competitors have better logistics because their mining centers are closer to their processing plants. We must keep that in mind when planning our next steps.
Russian coal companies are currently conquering the markets of the Asian-Pacific region, which are considered to be the most promising.
Dmitry Petrov, Irina Vinogradova, Mikhail Devyatkin, and Egor Dolinsky, Vesti.
