Ukrainian coal-mines' privatization to start after 2003

The privatization of Ukrainian coal mining companies will begin after 2003. Nikolay Krasko, the director of the Coal-Mining Industry Department of the Ukrainian Fuel and Energy Ministry, said at a news conference in Kiev today. The director did not rule out the possibility that machine-building and construction companies related to the coal mining industry would be offered for sale in 2003. The Fuel and Energy Ministry of Ukraine will complete the preparation of its proposals on such companies within one week, he pointed out.

Krasko added that Ukrainian courts had resumed hearings of 152 bankruptcy cases against coal mining companies. Twenty-three coal miming companies are to be liquidated.