The Ukrainian Coke Producers' Association (UkrKoks) forecasts a further increase in coke shortages in the already scarce domestic market due to the temporary stoppage at the Zasyadko coal mine caused by the recent major explosion at the mine.
The Zasyadko coal mine, which accounts for 30-35 percent of Ukrainian coking coal production, monthly extracts approximately 260,000 metric tons of coking coal, from which about 120,000 metric tons of coke is produced.
UkrKoks also stated that the shortage of coking coal could have been remedied by means of imports. However, the necessary volumes are not available in the international market. Moreover, to increase its seaborne imports Ukraine needs to develop its seaports structure, which will require both investments and time.