History

The decoration was instituted in September 10, 1947 by Decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR. The Restoration of the Donbass Coal Mines Medal was a civilian state award of the Soviet Union. This medal was conferred in recognition of developing the coal mines in the Donbass area. This medal was awarded 46,000 times.

The medal is composed of brass, and measures 32mm. The ring at 12 o'clock is made as a part of the medal for the five sided suspension.

The obverse Russian inscription translates to: "For Restoration of the Donbass Coal Mines". The reverse Russian inscription translates to: "Labour in the USSR-A Matter of Honour".