1 General information
In this part of our presentation, we will present the main economic and geographical characteristics of the Kuznetsk coal basin, known more than Kuzbass.
So, Kuzbass is one of the largest coal deposits in the world. Geographically, the basin is located in the south of Western Siberia (mainly the Kemerovo region). Kuzbass accounts for more than half of Russia's coal production, making it one of the most economically significant regions of the Russian Federation. There are 58 mines and 36 open pit mines operating in the basin (early 2010)
.
The explored coal reserves of Kuzbass amount to about 690 billion tons of a wide variety of coals and are represented by all grades and technological features of power and coking coals. The Kuznetsk coal basin accounts for about 56% of hard coal production in the Russian Federation, and the share of coking coal production reaches 80%
.
The importance of Kuzbass for the region's economy is also evidenced by the fact that "Kuzbass" is usually used as the second name of the subject of the Russian Federation, which provides up to 12% of the national income of Russia - the Kemerovo region.
Let's move on to more special characteristics of Kuzbass
. Its coal-bearing stratum contains more than 260 coal seams of various significance and thickness, which are distributed (rather unevenly) throughout the coal mine. As a rule, the average thickness of coal plates is from one and a half to four meters, but in some places it reaches up to 30 meters.
The Kuznetsk coal basin is characterized by a continental climate, in which there are fluctuations (sharp and frequent) in air temperature, solar radiation intensity, and precipitation. The basis for the technical water supply of the basin is the Tom River and partly the Ob.
The territory of Kuzbass is characterized by the transformation of natural landscapes and subsoil, which occurs due to the intensive development of minerals over a long period of time (the area has been known and used since the 18th century).
The mines in Kuzbass are relatively shallow (compared to Chinese mines, for example) and their maximum depth, as a rule, does not reach 500 meters, and the average depth fluctuates around 200 meters.
Let's analyze the main methods of coal mining in the Kuzbass. There are mainly three
:
- the leading method of coal mining in Kuzbass is underground mechanical. The largest enterprises are the Kapitalnaya and Raspadskaya mines, the S.M. Kirov;
- the so-called open-pit mining method is also used, which has a lower cost and is the second most common in Kuzbass. The latter is practiced, mainly in the sections "Mezhdurechye", "Kedrovsky", "Krasnogorsky", "Chernigovets";
- the third method of coal mining is hydraulic, which is practiced at such mines as Esaulskaya, Yubileynaya and Tyrganskaya.
We also give the general characteristics of coal mined in Kuzbass
.
In terms of quality, Kuzbass coals are quite diverse and are among the best coals. In deep horizons, coals contain: ash 4-16%, moisture 5-15%, phosphorus up to 0.12%, volatile substances 4-42%, sulfur 0.4-0.6%; have a calorific value of 7000–8600 kcal/kg (29.1–36.01 MJ/kg). Coals lying close to the surface are characterized by a higher content of moisture, ash and a lower sulfur content. Coal is used in the coking and chemical industries and as an energy fuel.
The main consumption of coal mined in the region goes to the needs of the Kemerovo region itself, the regions of Western Siberia and the European part of Russia and for export (up to 40%). In 2009, the coal industry of Kuzbass produced about 183.2 million tons of coal, and in 2008 more than 190 million tons, which is the maximum for the last twenty years of the basin's development.
These are the main economic and geographical characteristics of Kuzbass. In the following presentation, we will dwell in detail on the importance of Kuzbass for the Russian economy in general and for the domestic coal industry in particular.
Russian coal basins
Role
of one or another coal basin in
territorial division of labor
depends on the quality of the coals, the size
reserves, technical and economic indicators
production, the degree of preparedness of reserves
for industrial use, sizes
production, features of the transport and geographical
provisions. Based on the combination of these conditions
stand out sharply interdistrict
coal bases —
Kuznetsk and Kansk-Achinsk basins,
which together account for 70% of production
coal in Russia, as well as Pechora, Donetsk,
Irkutsk-Cheremkhovo and South Yakutsk
pools.
The most important manufacturer
coal in Russia is Kuznetsk
Coal Basin.
2 The role and place of Kuzbass in the Russian coal industry
Let's take a closer look at the place and role of Kuzbass in the Russian coal industry. To do this, first, it is necessary to assess the overall importance of the entire coal industry in Russia for the country's economy.
So, the extremely high role of the fuel and energy complex for the Russian economy is quite well known. As you know, the main sources of energy that are produced in Russia are oil, gas, coal and oil shale. They account for up to 96% of the production of energy sources in Russia
.
The export-oriented orientation of the modern Russian economy is also well known. Oil, gas and coal produced in large volumes are sold abroad. The role of these sources for the domestic economy is also extremely important. However, if the role of gas and oil is, as a rule, in the "view" of various media, then the role of the coal industry for Russia has somewhat faded into the "shadow" in recent years.
It is well known that the Soviet Union was for a long time the world leader in coal production, both in absolute numbers and per capita in the country.
. The situation is changing dramatically in connection with the large-scale economic reforms of the 90s of the XX century. The transition of the economy to market principles had a rather negative impact on the country's coal industry. According to various estimates, on the territory of the former RSFSR, modern Russia, up to 60% of the mines were closed, and most of the remaining ones were unprofitable for many years.
.
In the early 2000s, the general situation with the coal industry in Russia is changing, many mines are becoming profitable, developing, certain funds are being invested in the exploration of new deposits, and other positive trends are also traced. There is an increase in production. This is happening against the backdrop of a constant increase in the cost of energy resources, which has been going on since the late 80s, against the backdrop of constantly growing consumption.
The positive dynamics partially stops in 2008, with the onset of the global financial and economic crisis. One of its consequences was a decrease in the market value of energy resources, including coal. Production begins to fall, profits decline.
These are the main trends in the Russian coal industry in recent years. Let us now dwell on figures and facts illustrating the role and place of Kuzbass in the Russian coal industry.
In addition to Kuzbass, in Russia, coal is mined in the Krasnoyarsk Territory, Yakutia, the Republic of Tuva and Khakassia. In terms of explored reserves, the first place belongs to the reserves of Yakutia (Elga coal deposit), however, development there is greatly hindered by climatic factors.Along with the Kuzbass, another large basin is distinguished in Russia - the Minusinsk coal basin (Khakassia). The ratio of coal production at the largest deposits of Russia is shown in Table 1.
Final features
Coal in the northern regions remains a key product even despite the active introduction of gas networks that is currently taking place. And all because most of the northern regions for more than four years cannot afford to connect to a new heat source due to climate and geographical features. Even despite the fact that coal supplies to the Zapolyarny region have decreased by 23%, as long as there are consumers, the supply will continue to form.
The only alternative ways that can still be offered to the northern regions is the development of a supply chain for eco-fuels, such as wood pellets. Under which, however, it will be necessary to completely re-equip heating stations and boiler houses, which will require additional costs that the municipal budget may not be able to withstand. Therefore, despite all the difficulties of mining and transportation, northern coal remains a priority and key product not only for enterprises, but also for the Russians themselves.
Text: Kira Generalskaya
The article was published in the Mining industry magazine No. 1, 2018
