OREANDA-NEWS. March 1, 2011. Investors from Canada and Russia are interested in developing Belarusian potash deposits, Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection of Belarus Anatoly Lis told.

“We have many proposals now – from Canadian and Russian firms. Small wonder: we have the third largest reserves of potash globally, and anyone is ready to work with potash now, including in Belarus,” Lis said.

He said he was talking about Petrikovskoe and Oktyabrskoe potash deposits.

“We are not ready to specify who will be involved in the development of these deposits. We are working with Russian investors and Canadian Potash Corp.,” he added.

“Many companies are interested, however, there is a long way from their interest to real work. We cannot offer a concession of a deposit without a presidential ruling. Before addressing the president, we need to weigh all pros and cons, though – how the country will benefit from the concession of the two deposits and what Belaruskali will have – a rival or partner?” he said.