Russian attacks pose a serious threat to Ukraine’s mining and metallurgical enterprises. They also lead to technogenic disasters and undermine the country's economy, Economic Pravda reports.
Metinvest, an international steel and mining group, emphasizes that metallurgical and mining enterprises have continuous technological cycles and require a stable, high-capacity industrial electricity supply.
Prolonged power outages at mining and metallurgical enterprises disrupt production cycles abruptly, while these facilities cannot operate on alternative power sources.
“The production processes ... cannot technically be replaced ... without the risk of production stoppages, accidents, and irreversible equipment damage,” the company says.
Unlike trade or services, autonomous generators are not a solution for such facilities.
Mining and metallurgical complex: a critical sector for Ukraine’s economy
The Ukrmetalurgprom association warns that prolonged blackouts in the sector would have far-reaching consequences. Even amid the war, the industry and related sectors accounted for 7.2% of Ukraine’s GDP in 2024, generated over 15% of exports, and provided significant foreign-currency revenues.
More than 63,000 people work directly in the mining and metallurgical complex in Ukraine, and about 400,000 when related industries are included. In 2024, metallurgy and mining generated around $835 million in tax revenues, while the multiplier effect on the economy is estimated at $4.17 billion, especially in industrial regions.
Technogenic risks and the threat of accidents due to power outages
Technogenic risks are a particular concern. Mining and metallurgical enterprises are classified as high-risk facilities and require an uninterrupted power supply to prevent accidents and disasters.
In addition, steel plants play an important role in maintaining the stable operation of social and municipal infrastructure in their regions.
Russian attacks on the energy sector: forced shutdowns and operating on the edge
The energy supply situation remains critically difficult due to Russia’s massive attacks on energy infrastructure. Metinvest’s assets in Zaporizhzhia and Dnipropetrovsk oblasts have repeatedly been forced to suspend operations in recent months.
Risks remain high, and a stable power supply is critical to preserving the country’s industrial potential.
