Coal Extraction Down 2.8% yoy In 2005.

In 2005, 77 mln gross mt of coal was extracted, and 57 mln mt was shipped to consumers. Energy coal production increased by 5.4% yoy, however, the slight overall decline in output was due to a drop in the amount of coking coal, which was down 12.4% yoy. Concorde Capital: Our estimates for coal output in 2005 turned out to be on the money. We expect this trend in coal extraction to reverse in 2006, after the government’s energy program and massive privatization process starts. Recent gas crisis will only fuel this effort.