Coal privatization program provokes backlash from Economy Ministry

"We don't like the privatization program for Jastrzębska Spółka Węglowa (JSW), which foresees its consolidation with coke companies," said deputy Economy Minister Jacek Piechota. According to the law on coal industry restructuring, the Economy Ministry will retain the ownership of coal mining companies until the planned reform process is completed at the end of 2006. Controversies surrounding the program mean that its discussion by the government will now be postponed. (Puls Biznesu, p.10) E.B.