PETRIKOV DISTRICT, 27 August (BelTA) – Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko took part in the ceremony to inaugurate Petrikov Mining and Processing Plant of the Belaruskali potash producer on 27 August, BelTA has learned.
Taking part in the inauguration ceremony were members of the government, heads of government agencies, local officials, Belaruskali top managers and employees.
“It will not be an exaggeration to say that today is a historic day for Belarus. We are commissioning another landmark facility - Petrikov Mining and Processing Plant,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said.
The head of state symbolically launched the enterprise by pressing the start button on the control panel of a road header machine. The machinery operation underground was shown online.
Petrikov Mining and Processing Plant took almost 10 years and about $1.25 billion to build. The reserves of potash ore here will last for 100 years.
Aleksandr Lukashenko thanked everyone who contributed to the construction of what he called a unique facility: designers, engineers, construction workers, miners. The project was carried out exclusively by Belarusian R&D companies, construction and installation organizations, and the share of domestic equipment exceeded 85%.
“I really feel pride for all of you, excellent specialists and true professionals,” the head of state said. In addition, in the run-up to the Day of Miners Aleksandr Lukashenko congratulated the Belaruskali current and retired employees on their professional holiday.
As of 1 August 2021, the mine produced about 1.4 million tonnes of ore, while the processing plant made almost 158,000 tonnes of potash fertilizers. By now, all preparations have been completed at Petrikov Mining and Processing Plant and work is underway to build facilities of three construction stages.
In H1 2021 Belaruskali posted growth in potash production and export year-on-year. Belaruskali produced 6.496 million tonnes of potash fertilizers, up 21.8% compared with the same stretch a year ago. In January-July 2021 the output reached 7.546 million tonnes, up 16.6% from the same period of the previous year.
Belaruskali utilized its production capacities at 100%. Since January 2021 the company has ramped up the output from 11.500 million tonnes to 13.150 million tonnes per year in physical terms.
In H1 2021, the production of mineral fertilizers surged by 21.7% year-on-year, that of potash fertilizers by 21.8%, NPK fertilizers by 12.1%, fertilizer mixtures by 28.5%.
In January-July 2021, the export of potash fertilizers increased by 10.4%, or by 655,000 tonnes, and amounted to 6.980 million tonnes. The export revenues rose by 13.4% over this period.
