According to TASS, Russian President Vladimir Putin said in a video message marking Miners' Day that Russia holds the world's second-largest coal reserves, ranks third in coal exports and sixth in coal production.

"Russia continues to hold a leading position in the global market despite the challenging period the coal industry is currently going through. The country also fully meets domestic demand for coking and thermal coal", he said.

Last year's production remained at 440 million metric tons, while labor productivity has increased by 18% over the past five years. Putin described modern coal mining as an industry of the future, thanks to the introduction of digital innovations and high-performance equipment.

The government plans to continue developing the sector, with a focus on optimizing logistics, workplace safety, workforce training and improving living conditions in mining regions.

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