Belarus to mine fluorspar, brown coal in Mongolia

         One of the Belarusian companies will get involved in the mining of fluorspar and brown coal in Mongolia, Belarus’ Environment and Natural Resources Minister Vladimir Tsalko told media. The relevant agreement was reached during the recent official visit of the Belarusian delegation headed by Premier Mikhail Myasnikovich to Mongolia. Representatives of the Belarusian Environment and Natural Resources Ministry touched upon the issues of exploration and excavation of minerals which are in abundance in Mongolia. According to Vladimir Tsalko, the meetings resulted in an agreement on granting Belarus exploration concessions in Mongolia. “Our companies will have the right to mine all minerals they explore and sell them jointly with the Mongolian side. We have agreed that our company would begin mining operations in Mongolia in late 2013. The sides will sign agreements on the establishment of a joint venture to mine fluorite, a spar which is imported by Belarus,” Vladimir Tsalko said. According to Vladimir Tsalko, the Mongolian side suggested transfering to the Belarusian partners a brown coal deposit which has not been mined. The Minister said several businessmen and some Belarusian companies, including BelAZ, have taken interest in this project. “A joint venture may be set up,” Vladimir Tsalko underscored.