Xinhua reported that coal production in Ukraine rose 8.8% this year.

Mr Yuriy Boyko Coal and Energy Minister said output increased to 81.8 million tonnes

He told “For the first time in 10 years we have achieved such a high level of production.”

Boyko said the increased productivity was partly attributed to more investment in modernization of the coal industry.

He said that in 2011 around USD 210 million were invested in an upgrade of the country's coal mines.

The State Statistic Service said Ukraine's coal output rose 4% YoY to 75 million tonnes in 2010.

Ukraine ranks among the world's top 10 coal mining countries. The nation's total coal resources are estimated at 52 billion tonnes with commercial coal reserves at nearly 34 billion tonnes.

(Sourced from Xinhua)