RIA Novosti reported that the Raspadskaya coalmine in West Siberia, where two methane blasts recently claimed at least 67 lives may get financial aid from the state for its restoration

Vedomosti said the Russian Ministry of Industry and Trade was expecting proposals from Raspadskaya on state financial aid for restoring the destroyed mine.

Preliminary estimates put the cost of the damage in the mine at around RUB 5.8 billion it is believed that restoration efforts will take around six months.

Mr Alexei Pinchuk Deputy Director of the Russian Industry and Trade Ministry said that if the mine needs help, it should turn to the authorities as the government is ready consider the issue.

Vedemosti said the government is also considering allowing steel companies to import coal duty free as a result of the drop in Russian coal production following the accident.

The accident in Raspadskaya coal mine is thought to have been caused by poor observation of safety regulations. Earlier this week a special investigations committee ordered criminal charges against the mine's ex-director Mr Igor Volkov for violating safety rules.

(Sourced from RIA Novosti)