Partnership between Sukhumi Institute of Physics and Technology (Georgia) and Mineral-7 Ltd (Ukraine)
The “Basalt” project proposed by the Sukhumi Institute of Physics and Technology (SIPT) for consideration by CNCP, had almost
reached the point where a decision was due on funding when Programme specialists began to question whether demand in Georgia for
basalt fibre paint additives would be sufficient and also whether the funding envisaged from CNCP and SIPT would be adequate. One
of the firms proposed as a source of equipment for the project was the Ukrainian company Mineral-7 Ltd, and its director was
invited to come in as a consultant to assess the viability of the project.
Discussions during a visit by the Мineral-7 representative indicated that introducing the proposed technology would involve
difficult and untried procedures. They also confirmed that there was likely to be little demand for the planned product in Georgia.
Moreover, experiments carried out over many years in Russia and Ukraine had shown that it was doubtful that high quality water
resistant paints could be produced using basalt at a competitive price and that other materials were preferable in business terms.
As a result of these discussions, it was decided to reorientate the project to the production of basalt fibre for the reinforcement
of concrete, a technology which Mineral-7 was familiar with and for which demand was steadily growing.
Further research into the Georgian construction market, carried out as part of the same CNCP project, demonstrated that fibre
was indeed in demand and that the volumes involved were substantial. To diversify the product range and increase profitability it
was also decided to extend the project to include production of finished basalt fibre reinforced concrete blocks.
On the occasion of the second visit by the Director of Mineral-7 a production and sales plan was developed which took account of
Ukrainian experience and identified the best choice of equipment in terms of price and quality. Plans for the future include
mutually beneficial collaboration in the areas of production, technology, and sales targeting markets of Georgia, Ukraine and other
countries.
Sergey Klykov,
CNCP Project Manager
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