Port Elga expects to launch first export operations by end of year - authorities

KHABAROVSK. Oct 10 (Interfax) - The overall construction preparedness of the facilities for exporting coal from the Elginskoye deposit is 70%, and the Khabarovsk Territory authorities expect the first shipments by the end of the year, the regional government's press service said.

"The new road, which is comparable to the Baikal-Amur Mainline (BAM) in terms of volumes and coal handling, is a very important facility. We expect that our domestic coal will be sent here to all countries of the Asia-Pacific region by the end of the year," the press service quoted the regional governor, Dmitry Demeshin, as saying.

Currently, 488 km of the planned 531 km (92%) of the road have been built, and laying the tracks in the highest part of the mountain, where blasting operations are currently underway, still remains. Of the 19 stations and crossing loops, 14 are completely ready, with the length of the road totaling 626 km. Moreover, the first launch complex is nearly ready at the Elga station, which will receive trains after commissioning. Berth No. 2 is 90% ready, berth No. 3 is 35% ready, and berth No. 4 is 20% ready.

"Positive conclusions have already been received from the state environmental appraisal and Main State Expert Review Board (Glavgosexpertiza) federal autonomous organization. As noted, all environmental requirements were accounted when designing the coal terminal. Raw materials will be delivered to the coal maritime terminal after being treated with a special compound that prevents freezing and dust," the press service said.