The Belarusian Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Ministry tells us that the companies have officially submitted their documents for tender. An investor is sought for extracting and processing granite in the village of Sitnitsa (Brest Region’s Luninets District), also building a mining and processing enterprise in the district.
An Iranian company has also shown interest but has not so far submitted official documents. The project — worth about $400m — envisages the building of an open pit, a rock-crushing plant, energy facilities, external communications, transport facilities and water supply systems.
Geological prospecting indicates that the Sitnitsa field abounds in granite and diorite, with the stock of building stones estimated at 500m cubic metres. A railway and dock connected by a navigable channel to the Pripyat River are situated nearby.
The project should satisfy the Belarusian economy’s demand for raw materials for the construction industry while expanding export potential. It boasts significant state support and encompasses design, construction, financing and operation. A winner will be chosen by October 3rd, with an investment agreement signed by late 2011.
