EC okays Slovak govt's support for HBP mining company

The European Commission on Thursday announced that it has approved the Slovak government's support for mining company Upper Nitra Mines Prievidza (HBP) amounting to 9.6 million euros. The commission in its report noted that Slovakia plans to provide 9.6 million euros in the form of public support co-financed from EU structural funds to the mining company in order to mitigate the social impacts of shutting down its mines in Handlova and Novaky (both Trencin region), slated for 2023. The EC said this step was in line with EU rules on state aid, which allow member states to seek to ease the social impacts stemming from shutting down non-competitive coal mines.