Evolution of VAC in the context of coal industry advance in the conditions of digitization in Russia

Abstract

The article shows the role and place of the modern coal industry in the stress-resistant development in Russia, including economy diversification, as well as removal of technological, structural and infrastructural constraints. The theoretical framework for the studies is the concept of value-added chains. This article provides a detailed analysis of the formation of the concept and the advantages of its use for the coal industry. It is shown that under the influence of the fourth industrial revolution that has begun, new value-added chains appear—cooperative VAC. The new type of chains is structurally similar to the chains of the market type, the specificity of assets and equipment makes the relationship between the participants within such chains of added value is closer to the network interconnections. The analysis of global coal companies shows that the captive-type VAC (coal companies within the energy-generating and metallurgical holdings) are characteristic of the modern coal industry. It is demonstrated that the beginning of digitization of all industries has led to the growth of alternative technologies for coal processing, but the final consumer is represented mainly by metallurgical and energy-generating companies. The main causes of “inhibition” in transformation of the coal industry in Russia are: replacement of coal with cheaper gas, long distances for transportation of coal products within the country and abroad, accumulated infrastructure constraints for switching to Industry 4.0. It is recommended: to develop and implement transition from upward to downward connections by restructuring value-added chains, to modernize mines and equipment from Industry 3.0 to Industry 4.0, to add the chains with scientific engineering and design centers, as well as with innovation and experimentation sites that can design and implement hybrid coal mining technologies to ensure safety of mining and coal production stimulation.