Business news

MINSK, 13 October (BelTA) – The bulk of the general construction work at the Garlyk mining and processing factory will end in October, BelTA learned from Belarusian Architecture and Construction Minister Anatoly Cherny on 13 October after the government conference held by Chairman of the Council of the Republic of the National Assembly of Belarus Mikhail Myasnikovich to discuss the progress in building the factory.

According to the source, the bulk of the general construction work will end in October, allowing the crews to move on to equipment installation operations. These operations are scheduled to end in Q1 2016.

The construction of the Garlyk mining and processing factory is supposed to end by 1 January 2017. “Drilling matters are being handled. They are on a tight schedule. Every day counts. Drilling as fast as 45 meters per month has been reached. The construction workers are supposed to finish the first drilling stage as soon as possible,” said the Belarusian Architecture and Construction Minister.

Anatoly Cherny stated that over 400 people are now employed at the site. Taking into account the start of installation operations another 300 workers will be added. “The figure will be above the limit but we are going to come to terms with the Turkmen side since this responsible work has to be done by highly qualified installation and fitting personnel,” he explained.

The Minister also noted that the remote location of the site is a problem causing management hiccups. “A new supervisor of the construction project has been appointed. He has enabled proper construction standards. The issues that have been piling up are being addressed already. We intend to do all the catching-up and resolve all the piled-up issues this year,” summed up Anatoly Cherny.

In January 2010 the Belarusian company OAO Belgorhimprom signed a contract with the state concern Turkmenhimiya for the turn-key construction of the Garlyk mining and processing factory by Belarusian specialists. The factory is designed to make 1.4 million tonnes of potash fertilizers using the Garlyk minefield of potash salts in Lebap Oblast, Turkmenistan. The main work began in 2012.