Russian coal production increased in 2021 compared to 2020, driven by higher output in most coal basins. Exports also rose, primarily to Asian markets. The report presents detailed production, processing, shipment, and economic data for the industry.

The author declares himself as an "independent mining consultant - coal sector expert," which may suggest potential consulting relationships with companies within the coal industry. However, no specific conflicts are explicitly disclosed.

This article is rated a 3 due to its primarily descriptive nature. It presents a useful overview of the Russian coal industry's 2021 performance but falls short of rigorous scientific analysis by lacking a clear hypothesis, in-depth analysis, and broader contextual discussion. The potential for data bias and lack of future outlook are additional weaknesses.