Kuzbass Coal Industry Strategy Discussed with VEB.RF

A strategic session on the prospects of the Kuzbass coal industry was held in Kemerovo. VEB.RF Chairman Igor Shuvalov and regional Governor Ilya Seredyuk took part. In dialogue with experts, business representatives, and government officials, they examined key directions for the industry«s development and mechanisms to boost its efficiency.

The event also discussed the current state of the coal industry, the impact of pricing, and possible solutions to improve its efficiency. In 2026, according to Kuzbass coal companies, the region plans to produce between 160 and 200 million tonnes of coal. Experts noted that despite announcements about reducing fossil fuel use, global coal consumption is only growing.

Participants in the strategic session agreed that the industry should move away from simple extraction of raw materials and develop deep coal processing, producing higher value-added products.

«We must now decide what future the coal industry will have and what exactly we need to invest in. Capital is limited in the country. We need to invest in the most essential production cycles and ensure technological leadership. And today, thanks to the governor and the university, we have discussed where these possible directions are, where cooperation with foreign partners or with scientific and technological schools of the Russian Federation will be required in order to launch new business models,» emphasized Igor Shuvalov.

«Coal mining is the main industry for Kuzbass. Kuzbass high-quality coal is irreplaceable in metallurgy. Power plants not only in Russia but also abroad are oriented towards «black gold.» To replace it, a complete restructuring of all power generation is needed. Therefore, coal consumption is confirmed in the long term. We are now betting on the development of deep coal processing. The experience and competencies of VEB.RF, personally Igor Ivanovich Shuvalov and his team, have repeatedly helped Kuzbass find non-standard solutions to complex issues. We know for sure that VEB.RF and the development institutions within its structure are reliable helpers for us. We will draw up a joint program and rely on the opportunities provided,» emphasized Ilya Seredyuk.

Among possible promising directions are the development of coal chemistry and expansion of coal use areas. According to experts, more than 130 types of products can be made from coal: from synthetic gases to sorbents and chemical materials. Also, according to regional authorities, options for using coal energy in new formats can be considered as a temporary solution during the restructuring of the industry. For example, building coal-fired data centers or cryptocurrency mining farms, whose energy will be obtained from coal.

Another promising project already being developed in the region is the production of high-modulus carbon fiber from coal, which surpasses petroleum-based analogues: 2.5 times stronger in tensile strength and 6 times more resistant to deformation. This carbon fiber is also 4 times stiffer than steel.

At the same time, despite the crisis in the industry, experts noted the ongoing modernization of the coal industry. New mining technologies are being introduced in the region. Digitalization of production processes occupies a special place. At Kuzbass enterprises, digital models of various processes are being created — from designing drilling and blasting operations to creating digital twins of mining enterprises.

On the same day, Igor Shuvalov met with students of Kemerovo State University. They discussed prospects for industrial development, in-demand professions, and youth participation in implementing technological and infrastructure projects in the regions.

Support for regional industry is one of the areas of work for the VEB.RF group. For example, the Industrial Development Fund (FRP) allocated about 3 billion rubles (approximately $33 million at current rates) for 20 projects in Kemerovo Region. The FRP is preparing to launch new production facilities in mechanical engineering, auto components, electronics, chemistry, and pharmaceuticals.

In turn, the Foundation for Assistance to Small Innovative Enterprises (FASIE), another structure of the VEB Group, supported 51 projects in Kemerovo Region over the past five years; in 2025, five developments received grants. 61 companies from Kuzbass are included in the register of small technology companies, and the Foundation’s grant recipients show higher revenue growth compared to other companies in the region.

VEB.RF business missions are a series of trips across Russian regions, aimed at finding new economic growth points, creating urban infrastructure, and selecting promising projects. Representatives of development institutions, together with local authorities and businesses, work out support measures aimed at improving the quality of life and stimulating entrepreneurship.