OREANDA-NEWS. January 29, 2007. A key task of mines, run by the Coal Industry Ministry is to extract 47 M. tons of coal in 2008, Coal Industry Minister Viktor Poltavets stressed, reported the Official website www.kmu.gov.ua.

He admitted to an annual growth of 1,5 M. tons of coal by non-state run mines and a 3,5 M. tons reduction by the state-ones.

The second key task is to improve the cola's quality. We have resolved to up price of energy cola by 27%. Energy companies have agreed to assist us, yet, demand to improve the quality of coal.

Viktor Poltavets also spoke about the Luhansk Association of small Mines, which will be of a huge prospect in the future.

According to him, representatives of the association "Donbas'es Depth" have restored production at three closed mines and produced 277,000 tons of coal in 2007. I will assist these people, yet under strict control, the Coal Industry Minister said.