The Russian solid minerals industry is experiencing a serious systemic crisis. According to experts, the most difficult situation has developed in the production of silicon, manganese, titanium and lithium, as well as in the coal industry.
From January 1, 2026, the largest silicon producer in the country, Kremniy JSC, will completely cease operations. The Rusal company explains this decision by global overproduction and dumping prices for imported products. Analysts confirm: maintaining profitability in such conditions is almost impossible.
The problems of the manganese and titanium industries are no less serious. Existing deposits are economically unprofitable for deep processing, and dependence on imported raw materials remains critically high. Strategically important lithium projects – Kolmozersky and Polmostundrovsky – are also frozen, which threatens the development of the domestic electronics industry.
The coal industry provides the most significant examples of the crisis. Many companies are forced to operate at a loss just to maintain their customer base and markets.
Experts name two main reasons for the crisis: the strengthening of the ruble, which reduces the profitability of export operations, and high interest rates on loans. This combination makes many mining projects unprofitable, especially those that are not of strategic importance.
The state is trying to mitigate the situation with targeted support measures – lower mineral extraction tax rates, benefits in special economic zones and targeted assistance to large companies. However, these measures are not enough to radically change the situation.
The material was prepared with the support of the Russian Ministry of Education and Science as part of the Decade of Science and Technology.
Source: @dprom
