Government may abandon capital increases for coal mines

Economy Minister Jerzy Hausner said in a seminar in Krynica Friday, that the government may abandon its plans to increase the capital of Kompania Węglowa by zł. 800 million if the mining restructuring reform is blocked. Earlier, thousands of miners came out onto the streets in protest of government plans to close 23 mines, lay off 14.000 miners as well as reduce coal production by 15%. "The decision will be changed if the reforms are hindered and if we are incapable of reducing the mines' production capacities" said Hausner. "If I make concessions on this issue, I will also make concession in the development of the Polish economy" he added. (www.onet.pl) A.Z.