KIEV, June 21 – Ukraine should close 29 non-productive coalmines by 2016, according to a master plan drawn up as a result of the completion of the EU-funded Coal Sector Policy Support Programme.

According to programme experts, the closure of such a number of coal producing companies will require the injection of about UAH 4 billion, and UAH 5 billion more should be funneled into the settlement of social and environmental programs. The closure of one coalmine will take 15-24 months, the experts said.