Coal production in the Spitzbergen (Svalbard) archipelago will be reduced by two thirds, down to 40,000 tons per year, until 2032.

“The plan is to reduce coal production to the minimum required by the islands by 2032 [from 120,000 tons per year to 40,000 tons to cover the local thermal power plants’ needs],” Minister Alexei Chekunkov said at a meeting of the Council for the Development of the Far East, Arctic and Antarctic. He spoke about prospects for the future development of Spitzbergen.

According to the minister, coal is not the future of the archipelago. Spitzbergen is of interest to tourists, those who are keen on adventures and are eager to explore new extraordinary destinations.

The plan includes attracting tourist flows from friendly countries to the archipelago by establishing cruise ship trips and direct flights from Russia.

In addition, it is planned to create an international research center for the BRICS member states and friendly countries, as well as to offer international educational programs.

In 1931, the Arktikugol state enterprise was founded on the archipelago, which produces 120,000 tons of coal a year. Last year, the Russian government transferred the production facility to the Ministry for the Development of the Far East and Arctic for trust management.