Economy Ministry begins work on restructuring strategy for mining industry

The Economy Ministry is planning to prepare a detailed restructuring strategy for the Polish mining industry by the end of May. The solution will determine how the mining companies and mines themselves will be grouped. Detailed solutions should be revealed by the end of May," said deputy Economy Minister Marek Kossowski. The plan, prompted by the government proposal on "Outlines of the Polish energy sector up to 2020", envisages a decrease in the number of mining companies from seven to four and the creation of three new mining concerns. The changes in organization are meant to aid in the privatization of the Polish mining sector. "A privatization advisor will be appointed in the first stage of change implementation," said Kossowski. The State Treasury will also sell its majority stake in the industry while retaining the role of an administrator. One significant change will take place in the finance, sales and supply aspects of the industry, as so-called service companies will be outsourced to handle those areas for the mining concerns. (Puls Biznesu, p. 6) M.T.K.