Russia could Support Elga Coal Mine Project

Japanese delegation from public and private visited Moscow to talk with Russian official on Elga coal mine development, which is large scale coking coal project for next generation. Japanese said the project is important for Japanese steel makers and the government to secure resources stably while Russia Federation government showed positive sign to support the project. The project, of which private developer will be fixed, is likely to go ahead with indirect support by governments of Russia and Japan. The governments agreed at talk of Japanese minister of economy, trade and industry and Russian minister for economic development and trade in November 2005 to have working level talk. The project interests see the key for the project is the support by Russian Federation to building infrastructure including port and rail. A Japanese attendee source said the talk on April 17 confirmed the positive stance of Federation official for the support.