Original paper

UDC 338.012 © O.V. Zonova, O.B. Sheveleva, M.K. Kumaneeva, T.A. Tyuleneva, A.A. Kozhikhova, 2026
ISSN 0041-5790 (Print) • ISSN 2412-8333 (Online) • Ugol' – Russian Coal Journal, 2026, №2, pp. 39-43
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.18796/0041-5790-2026-2-39-43

ESG AGENDA IN COAL-MINING REGIONS IN THE FACE OF EXTERNAL SHOCKS AND RESTRICTIONS

Authors

O.V. Zonova¹, O.B. Sheveleva¹, M.K. Kumaneeva¹, T.A. Tyuleneva², A.A. Kozhikhova³

¹ Department of Finance and Credit, T.F. Gorbachev Kuzbass State Technical University (KuzSTU), Kemerovo, 650000, Russian Federation, e-mail: shob.fk@kuzstu.ru
² Department of Economics, T.F. Gorbachev Kuzbass State Technical University (KuzSTU), Kemerovo, 650000, Russian Federation
³ Group BEs-241, T.F. Gorbachev Kuzbass State Technical University (KuzSTU), Kemerovo, 650000, Russian Federation

Authors Information

Zonova O.V. – PhD (Economics), Associate Professor of the Department of Finance and Credit, T.F. Gorbachev Kuzbass State Technical University (KuzSTU), Kemerovo, 650000, Russian Federation, e-mail: zov.fk@kuzstu.ru
Sheveleva O.B. – PhD (Economics), Associate Professor of the Department of Finance and Credit, T.F. Gorbachev Kuzbass State Technical University (KuzSTU), Kemerovo, 650000, Russian Federation, e-mail: shob.fk@kuzstu.ru
Kumaneeva M.K. – PhD (Economics), Associate Professor of the Department of Finance and Credit, T.F. Gorbachev Kuzbass State Technical University (KuzSTU), Kemerovo, 650000, Russian Federation, e-mail: kmk.fk@kuzstu.ru
Tyuleneva T.A. – PhD (Economics), Associate Professor of the Department of Economics, T.F. Gorbachev Kuzbass State Technical University (KuzSTU), Kemerovo, 650000, Russian Federation, e-mail: krukta@mail.ru
Kozhikhova A.A. – Student of Group BEs-241, T.F. Gorbachev Kuzbass State Technical University (KuzSTU), Kemerovo, 650000, Russian Federation, e-mail: arinakozhihova@gmail.com

Abstract

This article analyzes the implementation of the ESG concept in business practices in Russia's coal-mining regions amid external sanctions pressure. The study identifies the key goals of ESG transformation: ensuring international competitiveness; meeting the requirements of new markets; and implementing government environmental initiatives. The authors emphasize that, despite sanctions pressure, Russian companies and the government continue to implement ESG standards, shifting their focus to Asian markets and national strategic goals. The key findings highlight a decline in investment in the coal industry due to the need to comply with ESG requirements, the continued importance of coal as a budget energy resource for countries in the Asia-Pacific region, and the development of ESG infrastructure in Russia. Special attention is given to the limitations of the widespread implementation of the ESG concept, in particular the technology embargo and tightening international regulations. The article concludes by emphasizing the need to maintain a balance between the coal industry's export orientation and the gradual integration of ESG principles into the business practices of economic entities to ensure sustainable regional development.

Keywords

ESG principles, coal mining regions, sustainable development, carbon footprint, green economy, cross-border regulation, transformation.

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