Mining industry reforms to be financed by World Bank and domestic budget

The planned reform of the mining industry is estimated to cost around zł. 2 billion until 2006. Half of this figure will come mainly from the World Bank, while the balance is to come from the budget. Economy and Labor Minister, Jerzy Hausner announced that this would be the last reform financed at the taxpayers' cost. Representatives of the World Bank will come to Katowice this Wednesday, where they will have public consultations with governmental officials, concerning the credit. According to initial information, the planned credit is estimated at $500 million. The World Bank is to grant Poland a loan of $200 million until the end of 2003; whereas, another $50 million is to come from other international banks, giving a total of around zł. 1 billion. (Rzeczpospolita, p. B1) A.K.