Russia, Mongolia to ink deal on building medium capacity N-plant

Moscow, Apr 10 (UNI) Russia and Mongolia may sign a deal on building a low or medium-capacity nuclear power plant in Mongolia, the General Director of the Russian Nuclear Corporation (Rosatom) Sergei Kiriyenko said after his talks with Mongolian Prime Minister Sanjaagiin Bayar.

''During the meeting, the Mongolian Prime Minister confirmed his country's willingness to start elaborating a project to build a low or medium size nuclear power plant. We are prepared to join this work,'' Mr Kiriyenko said.

He said the Mongolian side has not made up its mind yet as to the type of a nuclear power plant it would like to have, ''but we shall be able to offer the entire range of options''.

He also said tomorrow ''we are to sign a joint action plan for cooperation in the sphere of nuclear power with Mongolia's Trade Minister.'' Mr Kiriyenko added this plan would provide for the exploration of uranium deposits in Mongolia, joint investments in their development and training of Mongolian personnel for the nuclear power industry.

''Our countries have a major potential to implement all proposals we discussed earlier today,'' Mr Kiriyenko said.

According to Mongolian specialists' estimates, some of the country's explored deposits contain 60,000 tonnes of natural uranium.

According to some specialists' estimates, ''the real reserves of natural uranium may prove as big as 120,000-150,000 tonnes.'' UNI XC PD HS2111