Construction of a New Soda Ash Plant, as Agreed by The Governments of Belarus

The construction of a new soda ash plant, as agreed by the Governments of Belarus and China will be launched in 2013.
 
Anatoly Nichkasov, Belarus’ Minister of Architecture and Construction, said in a press conference, that the much awaited project will start this year, reports Belarusian news agency BelTA.
 
The new soda ash plant would facilitate the manufacturing of many products with higher added value which are in demand in the domestic market, he added.
 
According to the Minister, the President of Belarus has ordered to build the new plant within the current five-year period. 
 
In 2010, Belarus signed an agreement on a US$ 219 million buyer loan with China Exim Bank. The loan will be used for the development of necessary capacities at the joint venture (JV) plant.
 
The Belarusian Government shall cover the expenditure on the development of the associated infrastructure.
 
Mr. Nichkasov said the project is due for completion in 2015, and will reach the full capacity (300,000 tons) in 2016.
 
The plant will use Belarusian raw materials for production of soda ash, which is widely used in the textile industry, especially in dyeing processes.