Vladimir Putin's Visit to Kuzbass Coalfields Began at Mezhdurechenskaya Open-pit

Today, President Vladimir Putin arrived in the town of Mezhdurechensk, the Kemerovo Region, where he plans a session of the Presidium of Russia's State Council at the Raspadskaya coalmine. Discussed at the session will be the problems of the country's coal industry. The head of state intends to visit a number of coal companies and meet with miners.

According to the President's press service, Mr. Putin's visit to the Kuzbass coalfields began at the Raspadskaya open-pit mine. The president had a closer look at the technologies used at the mine and discussed licensing-related issues.