Pokrovsk mine closure: A blow to Ukraine's steel heart

The closure of the Pokrovsk coal mine, crucial for Ukraine's industry, weakens the country's defence capabilities. "The New York Times" states that Ukrainians destroyed one of the tunnels to prevent it from being taken over by Russian forces. The mine was the only source of coking coal, essential for steel production.

According to the newspaper, the closure of the mine will send shockwaves through Ukraine's economy. Steel production is expected to drop from 8 million tonnes to less than 3 million tonnes next year. This will affect exports, tax revenues, and material supplies for the military. Metal and steel products were Ukraine's second-largest export group.

Kyiv made desperate efforts to keep the mine operational as long as possible. Miners, despite the risk, continued working, descending to the site through another tunnel. However, in mid-December, when Russian forces approached within 1.6 kilometres, they decided to blow up the tunnel.

The newspaper emphasises that the Pokrovsk mine is not the first to fall into Russian hands, as Russian forces have decimated a significant part of the industrial base in eastern Ukraine. However, it may serve as an example of Ukraine's resilience after Russia's full-scale invasion—after a production drop in 2022, last year saw an increase to 3.5 million tonnes, almost reaching pre-war levels.

In early December 2024, miners began drilling holes under the tunnel to place explosives. Around December 20th, the tunnel was blown up. Explosives were also placed in two other tunnels, near the villages of Kotlyne and Udachne, which are still controlled by Ukraine. It is not known if these tunnels were also destroyed.