Ukraine reduced coal production approximately 9.3%, or by 3.673 million tonnes Ukraine reduced coal production approximately 9.3%, or by 3.673 million tonnes, to 35.879 million tonnes in the first half of 2009 compared to the same period of 2008, the Coal Ministry told Interfax.

Coking coal production fell 11.9% to 12.599 million tonnes in the half, while steam coal output fell 7.8% to 23.281 million tonnes.

Coal production was still 15.5% above the target set by the Coal Ministry, including 4.7% above for coking coal and 42.8% for steam coal.

State-owned coal mines reduced production 15.6% to 19.408 million tonnes in the period, including 4.72 million tonnes of coking coal, down 12%, and 14.688 million tonnes of steam coal, down 16.6%.

Coal production in Ukraine rose 3% in 2008 compared with 2007 to 77.673 million tonnes, including 26.642 million tonnes of coking coal, down 6.2%, but 51.031 million tonnes of steam coal, up 8.5%.

The Coal Ministry has said state-run mines might cut coal output 7.2% to 42.7 million tonnes this year due to falling demand for coal.