Ecological and technological aspects of coal production for consumers in the Arctic regions of the Sakha Republic (Yakutia)

Integrated development of the Russian Arctic regions constitutes a very complex long-term strategy aimed not only at exploring and developing new territories and mining useful minerals, but also at preserving the unique natural environment and improving the resource-saving technologies adapted to extreme climatic conditions. Production and use of coal for heat energy generation cause significant damage to the environment and represent one of the most dangerous human activities. For this reason, there is a need to assess the impact of the coal supply chain on the growth of the localized pollution zones in the natural ecosystems of the Arctic. Coal produced in the harsh conditions of the Far North loses its original quality, especially due to its transshipment, storage, and long-term transportation. The original particle size distribution primarily changes, significantly increasing the share of fine coal. An analysis of the coal supply chain to consumers in the Arctic regions of the Sakha Republic (Yakutia) revealed that using low-grade coals with a high content of fines results in significant emissions of harmful solid substances. By studying satellite images and calculating the natural loss of coal, an assessment of the pollution zones was made, based on which a comprehensive set of measures was developed to reduce the causes of pollution with coal dust and combustion by-products in the Arctic territories of the Republic.