OREANDA-NEWS. May 31, 2011. Belarus is having consultations to sell a stake in OJSC Belaruskali, in which the state now holds a 100% stake, to a Chinese buyer; the country does not discuss a possible sale to the Russian side, a source in the administration of the country told reporters.

“Only the Chinese side has expressed a half-hearted interest in acquiring a stake in Belaruskali.”

The Chinese side has concerns that “we have set a very high price, and they need to check the authenticity of our valuation.” Belarus earlier said Belaruskali was worth USD 30 billion.

The source said Belarus was not in talks with Russian capital over the acquisition of a stake in the potash maker. “We have substantial potash salt deposits, and Russians could have a concession agreement to develop them,” he said.

It was reported previously that the Belarusian government was interested in selling a minority stake in Belaruskali for USD 6-7 billon.