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Ukraine's essential Pokrovsk coal mine still running as Russian troops move better

The coal mine in the eastern Ukraine town of Pokrovsk, a supplier of coking coal essential for the steel industry, is still running in spite of the method of Russian forces, a market source stated on Tuesday.

Ukrainian military experts said today that Russian soldiers had transferred to within about 7.5 km (4.6 miles) of Pokrovsk, frustrating Ukraine's extended defences with greatly superior numbers and devices.

Over the past 24 hours, Ukrainian forces pushed back 31 Russian attacks in the Pokrovsk sector, the military said.

The mine lies 10 km (6.2 miles) west of the town, a. strategic supply center, in the opposite direction to the advancing. Russian forces.

The market source, who asked not to be named, did not state. at what point the mine's owner, metallurgical group Metinvest,. may be required to halt operations and evacuate personnel.

Previously, Metinvest stated it was prioritising employees' safety. and was assisting to evacuate the families of workers from the. frontline area.

Ukraine's steelmakers' union said this month the capacity. closure of the Pokrovsk mine, the only domestic source of coking. coal necessary for steelmaking, might cause steel production to. depression to 2 million-3 million metric heaps next year from the 7.5. million anticipated in 2024.

Producers hope to find alternative sources of coking coal. from in other places in Ukraine needs to the Pokrovsk mine be seized by. Russian soldiers, but imports would inevitably be needed - hiking. their expenses.

(source: Reuters)