Only one mine remains operating in the Ukraine-controlled part of Donetsk region.
According to the chairman of the Independent Miners’ Union of Ukraine Mykhailo Volynets, the mine faces serious problems due to electricity cut-offs.
“Yes, the one and only. This is the Novodonetska mine close to the border with Kharkiv region, where miners extract coal. Around 800 tons of rock per day. Sometimes less, as the mine regularly loses electricity. It so happens that 150-160 miners can remain underground without light. The mine begins to be flooded, emergency actions are taken to bring people back to the surface,” he said.
The mine is a part of the Dobropillyavugol state enterprise.
Of 145 mines, that operated in Ukraine in 2014, only 13 remain. Most mines are now on the Russia-occupied territory, and some have been destroyed by Russia. (Ukrainian Metal)