The coal industry of the Irkutsk region today: development trends, outstanding issues, and threats

The article provides an update on the state of the coal industry of the Irkutsk region. It reviews the trends in coal production and supply with a breakdown by uses of coal. The main consumers of Irkutsk coal are power plants located in the Irkutsk region, and about 20% of the coal is exported. Our analysis covers the factors that contribute to sustaining and growing the supply of Irkutsk coal, including the availability of commercial reserves of coal. The study highlights the priority areas and limitations of the coal industry development in the region.