Russian President Mr. Medvedev suggested closing down the Baikal Pulp and Paper Mill during his visit to Irkutsk. He claimed that the mill should be closed regardless of its water rotation type and suggested location of other enterprises on the territory of the mill. Regional government demand 49% of shares of the company, owned by the federal centre.

The President supported the position of the Irkutsk mayor who believes that the work resumption of the Baikal Pulp and Paper mill, whether with closed water rotation system or not, is unlikely to be approved by the Federal Government. The President knows the situation at an advanced level, and is aware of all the details. The pulp type, required by our industry may easily be produced by other Russian mills. 

Currently Angara region Government is planning to get the situation under control. For this reason, mayor of Irkutsk issued a letter to the Federal Property Management Agency.  He suggested handing over the federal holding of shares (49%) to the Irkutsk government.

“Personnel dismissal has already been announced. We do realize all the possible social consequences of closing the mill down and offer alternatives for Baikalsk development, e.g. we could launch some safe production and tourism business,” the official claimed. Earlier, the Angara region government put forward the suggestion to locate a woodworking plant on the territory of the mill, which would produce not less than 1 mln tons of timber per year. Besides, the Slyudyansk region territory, where the mill is situated, may be included into the touristic SEZ Baikal Gates.”

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