Duma To Consider Limitations On Foreign Participation In Development Of Strategic Mineral Resources

The State Duma committee for natural resources worked out a set of amendments to the law 'On mineral resources' initiated by the Chita regional parliament. The State Duma press service reported that these amendments stipulate the introduction of limitations in the development of strategic mineral resources by foreign companies and individuals. According to the amendments, only Russian citizens and companies will be allowed to develop strategic mineral deposits whose reserves make up more than 20 per cent of the total volume of particular reserves in Russia. According to authors of these amendments, the participation of foreign companies in the development of large deposits hampers the development of these deposits, infringes economic interests of Russia and presents a threat to its national security.