The coal mine in Pokrovsk halted production due to Russia's advances, according to Reuters.
This is reported by Reuters citing two industry sources.
This enterprise is the only coal mine in Ukraine that produces coking coal, essential for the once-mighty steel industry of the country, which has ceased operations following Russia's full-scale invasion.
"They have all stopped working now," one source told the publication. Another interlocutor explained that there is no mining taking place at the Pokrovsk mine, with workers only operating on the surface. Evacuations are still ongoing there.
Back in December, it was known that the company "Metinvest" decided to halt operations at one section of the mine located in the village of Pyschane near Pokrovsk.
Recall that Alexander Kalenkov, president of the association of enterprises "Ukrmetallurgprom," informed "Suspilne" that the coal mined near Pokrovsk is unique and can only be replaced by imports.
Additionally, the head of the Association of Metallurgists of Ukraine, Alexander Kalenkov, stated that losing control over the mine would lead to a significant reduction in steel production in Ukraine.
More about the mine near Pokrovsk
The "Pokrovsk" mining management was established in 1990. It is the largest enterprise in Ukraine and one of the biggest in Eastern Europe in terms of coking coal production, reports the company's website.
The industrial coal reserves amount to 200 million tons, with a development period of over 40 years.
What is the situation in Pokrovsk?
In Pokrovsk, Donetsk region, there are still 7,300 residents. The pace of evacuation has slowed compared to earlier, reported the head of the Pokrovsk city military administration, Sergey Dobryak.
On December 28, Pokrovsk lost power. Additionally, from December 12, the distribution of natural gas was halted there.
Authorities urge residents not to delay their evacuation due to the worsening security situation.
Evacuation trains are departing from the Pavlograd station. To register for a train, you need to submit a request by calling the contact center of the Pokrovsk city military administration at: 0-800-300-101.