Meeting to discuss state and prospects of Belarus’ mining industry

Belarus needs to intensively and effectively develop mineral deposits, Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko said at a meeting to discuss the state and prospects of the mining industry and  geological exploration works on 12 March.

The president emphasized that all mineral resources are national assets, a strategic reserve belonging to people only. These are potassium, oil, and fresh water (that has become a very precious resource in the world lately), and many more.

“We should manage our assets in a smart and prudent way. The government pays close attention to the intensive development of deposits, their efficient and rational use, as well as the introduction of the most advanced production and processing technologies,” the president emphasized.

The state and prospects of the mining industry were discussed at a similar meeting eight years ago, Aleksandr Lukashenko recalled. The president also gave a number of instructions when Andrei Khudyk was appointed Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection in 2017.

“Back then we acknowledged that the natural resources that lie on the surface were well studied in Belarus. Yet, we don’t know as much about what’s underground. Therefore, we need to step up geological exploration works,” the head of state said.

The president emphasized that it is important for the country to have its own mineral resources, since they are the key to sovereignty and stable economic growth. This is even more relevant now when Belarus faces mounting sanctions.

“The time has come to compare notes and find solutions to the most complicated and understudied issues. There are many of them. Although, of course, we have very successful industries,” said the head of state.