States grant their resources in devastation, after war or revolution

Belarus is going to grant a concession on a number of mineral deposits to attract foreign investments. As independent experts think, this step is an evidence of difficult economic situation in the country.

According to Lukashenka’s decree of 28 January, “Bryneuskaye” gypsum deposit, “Akalouskaye” and Novasyolkauskaye” iron deposits as well as “Astrazhanskaye” bentonite clays deposit are supposed to be granted to potential investors.

But, as a Deutsche Welle’s correspondent has found out, the supposed deposits are rather small in comparison with those in Europe.

Moreover, as independent economist Leanid Zlotnikau emphasises, “our mineral resources are at the verge of effectiveness. If very good and cheap technologies are used, these deposits will be able to be exploited effectively.”

At the same time, as the economist think, states usually turn to their resources concession in difficult situation, for instance, in a postwar period. “And in Belarus – after the life on loan. Lenin, as it is known, tried to grant a part of mineral resources in concession after the revolution,“ Leanid Zlotnikau notes.