Trade, Industry and Energy Minister Dukgeun Ahn attended the ceremony on September 6 marking the closure of the Jangseong Coal Mine in Taebaek City, Gangwon province. He expressed appreciation to the coal mine workers and said that the ministry will seek measures to help identify alternative industries for the region in step with the transition to a carbon-free era.


Korea’s largest coal mine to date, the Jangseong Coal Mine produced roughly 94 million metric tons of coal over the past 88 years, contributing to the stable supply of coal briquettes and the growth of the local economy. In recognition of the hard work and dedication, Minister Ahn presented governmental commendations to five of the Jangseong Coal Mine workers and shared the Government’s plan to increase the supply capacity of carbon-free energy sources, establish energy security, and create new energy industries.


As an alternative to coal mining, Taebaek City is currently in the process of nurturing a cluster for future resources by 2029 across the Jangseong Coal Mine site, including clean methanol production facilities and a critical minerals industrial complex. The minister ensured that the Government will back the region’s efforts to uncover an alternative industry for vitalizing the local economy.