Long-term disconnections of mining and metallurgical enterprises from power grids can lead to serious economic and man-made consequences, since such industries are not able to operate on alternative power sources. Economic Pravda writes about this with reference to a commentary from Metinvest..

They recalled that metallurgical and mining enterprises have continuous technological cycles and require a stable industrial power supply of high power.

“It is technically impossible to replace the production processes of the mining and metallurgical complex with decentralized solutions without the risk of production stoppages, accidents and irreversible damage to equipment,” noted Metinvest.

It is indicated that, unlike retail or service enterprises, autonomous generators for such facilities are not a solution.

The OP Ukrmetalurgprom warned that a prolonged blackout of mining and metallurgical enterprises will have large-scale consequences for the economy. The industry, even in war conditions, forms a significant part of Ukraine’s gross domestic product - 7.2% in 2024, together with related sectors, and also provides more than 15% of exports and significant foreign exchange earnings.

In addition, the MMC employs more than 63 thousand. people, and together with related industries - about 400 thousand. workers. In 2024, the metallurgy and mining sector generated about UAH 36 billion in tax revenue, and the total multiplier effect for the economy is estimated at UAH 180 billion, especially in the regions where enterprises operate.

Technogenic risks pose a separate threat. MMC enterprises are classified as high-risk facilities and require continuous power supply to prevent accidents and disasters. Metallurgical enterprises also play an important role in ensuring the operation of social and communal infrastructure in the localities.

Currently, the situation with energy supply remains extremely difficult: due to massive attacks by the Russian Federation on the energy infrastructure, Metinvest’s assets in the Zaporozhye and Dnepropetrovsk regions have been forced to repeatedly suspend operations in recent months. But, thanks to the partial availability of our own generation and prompt actions of personnel, it was possible to avoid man-made disasters and restore production after eliminating the consequences of emergency shutdowns.

Let us recall that over the past five years, the largest metallurgical enterprises of Ukraine have paid taxes and fees in the amount of UAH 190 billion, or $6.2 billion.. At the end of 2024, the payment of taxes and fees by four metallurgical companies amounted to 1.6% of revenues to budgets of all levels.

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