The distribution and quality of Russian coal and coke resources are compared for periods before (the first nine months of 2008) and during (from the fourth quarter of 2008 to the second quarter of 2009) the economic crisis. Attention then turns to the definition and determination of the technological value of coal. Analysis of coke strength suggests that, in current conditions (with no crisis), the production of high-quality (high-strength) coke is not economically justified