Donetsk, Apr 14 — DAN. The mine clearance operation at the “Azovstal” metallurgical works will run in stages; experts will be promptly invited to safe areas to carry out technical and economic audit, Donbass Development Corporation Chairman of the Board Andrey Shpilenko told the Donetsk News Agency.

“It’s difficult to estimate the period, but I believe that demining would take up to half a year, ” Shpilenko said. “As soon as we’ve launched mine clearance which will run in stages, we’ll invite experts from various branches of industry.”

Experts will assess the condition of furnaces and infrastructure in the areas cleared of UXO, he added.

Earlier reports said that “Azovstal” had been handed over to the Donbass Development Corporation for trust management.*jk