Energy Ministry to close mines in stages – Buslavets

“We are finalizing the methodology for assessing coal enterprises. The closure process should be phased. The order of priority of cities and regions most in need of the support program is being determined. We have analyzed the social and economic situation in the regions subject to transformation. Approaches are being developed to diversify the local economy to create new jobs," the acting minister said.

She noted that work is underway to reduce the dependence of local communities in such regions on the coal industry.

According to her, all this is happening within the framework of the development of the National Program for Fair Transformation of Coal Regions.

"The Energy Ministry has been entrusted with the task of developing a program for reforming the coal industry. A concept and a plan of measures for reforming the coal industry need to be approved. The concept is being developed and will be presented in the near future,” Buslavets noted.

Also, according to her, there should be a plan for the transformation of coal regions until 2030.

Buslavets recalled that the Government approved a coordination center for the transformation of coal regions, headed by Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal. "The goal of this center is to develop a National Program for Fair Transformation of Coal Regions," she said.

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