New purchase's total reserves are put at 2.2 billion tonnes of coking coal, and around 50 billion cubic metres of methane gas.
A methane explosion ripped through the pit in Kemerovo region - but 101 safely escaped to the surface.
Two men died but miraculously more than 100 reach the surface safely.
Men reunited with their families after successful operation to free them after fears of gas leaks and more rock falls.
As much as two billion tonnes can be extracted from open-cast site over the next 167 years with hopes it can transform rural region.
Sasivat Wongsinsavat called Kuzbass cradle of Thai boxing at the opening of Muay Thai Championship.
Brown coal in disused Soviet deposit burning at a temperature as high as 600C.
Governor takes charge of rescue operation and sends ‘don’t panic’ message plus blankets, water and food to coal workers.
Subsidence from old coal mine a possible cause of latest mystery hole.