The run-of-mine output last month consisted of semi-soft and hard coking coal.

December quarter output increased 15% to 1.27 million tonnes compared to the previous quarter as the company started a new face at its neighbouring Koksovaya mine.

The company aims to resume export sales this calendar year.

Search efforts at the Raspadskaya mine, part of a four-mine complex which includes an open pit, have recently recovered more bodies.

A total of 79 bodies have been discovered while 12 are missing, according to RIA Novosti.

One of the seriously injured miners died in hospital about four months after the disaster.