A SCIENTIFIC AND METHODOLOGICAL APPROACH TO ASSESSING THE ECONOMIC POTENTIAL OF COAL MINING ENTERPRISES IN POST-CONFLICT TERRITORIES

Abstract

Given the impossibility of preserving the former territorial identity and the high degree of uncertainty surrounding exogenous factors, traditional analytical methods focused primarily on production and financial indicators are deemed insufficient to substantiate revival strategies for historically city-forming coal mines. This context defined the objective of the present research, which aims to identify the key determinants of economic potential and develop a unified analytical toolkit for assessing the feasibility of either restoring coal mining complexes or rationally repurposing them to serve the needs of related industries. Building upon a systems approach, the authors propose a specialized classification of potential that integrates resource, technological, economic, environmental, social, political, and market dimensions, alongside a verified system of criteria enabling weighted rating assessments. This methodology involves the normalization of heterogeneous data and the calculation of a composite engineering index, which objectively determines the optimal scenario for the facility's future utilization. The developed methodological framework facilitates the ranking of dominant influencing factors while accounting for the technical and economic constraints of the post-conflict environment, historical infrastructure degradation, and market volatility. Consequently, it enables regulatory authorities and investors to make evidence-based decisions regarding the resumption of mining operations, cross-sectoral diversification, or the integration of enterprises into state-led recovery programs, thereby establishing a scientifically sound foundation for optimizing investment allocation and strategically planning the post-crisis development of affected territories.