Kėdainiai phosphate fertiliser plant „Lifosa“ is already operating after announcing the resumption of production on 10 June. This was confirmed to Elta both by Vitalijus Varnas, chairman of the independent trade union of „Lifosa“, and by representatives of the agency representing the company, „Fabula“.

„Yes, if the activity is carried out, the chimney is already emitting smoke. It's as simple as that“, Varnas confirmed to Elta.

„Lifosa“ has successfully resumed its operations“, representatives of the communication agency „Fabula“ told Elta.

In a statement issued by the company at the beginning of June, it was announced that the plant's Phosphoric Acid Plant was the first to be put into operation, while the rest of the units are being reactivated in accordance with the technical regulation. Although representatives of the agency representing „Lifos“ did not disclose how much of the restart work remains, they claim – the potential for a return to the market is there.

„We can only note that, as announced, the possibilities for a smooth return to market of the advanced „Lifosa“ products are now assured, – the representatives of the agency said in a reply.

The press release also mentions that all employees have already returned to their jobs and that all the preconditions for a long-term operation are in place.

„All preconditions for stable and sustainable operation of the factory are in place, and the employees necessary for the operation of the factory have returned to their jobs“, „Fabula“ said in the reply.

„Sodros“ data shows that 888 people were employed at the plant on 2 July.

In July last year, „Lifos“, which is owned by the Russian capital group „EuroChem“, announced that the company might be temporarily preserved from October. The decision followed more than a year of supply chain disruptions and ammonia shortages, following government sanctions and the appointment of an interim administrator for „Lifosa“.

In November, however, „Eurochem“ announced that negotiations were underway to restart production. At the time, Samir Brikho, Chairman of the Board of Directors of „Eurochem Group AG“, said that the company was not subject to sanctions, and the European Union reaffirmed in May that the fertiliser industry should not be subject to sanctions. The US, the EU and the UK also agree.

In late May 2024, „Lifosa“ announced plans to resume production, and in early June it announced that it was resuming production. At the same time, Mr Varnas reported that workers were already returning from work stoppages.

100% of „Lifosa“ is owned by „EuroChem Group“, a Swiss-registered company, 90% of whose shares are held by the Cypriot company „AIM Capital“ &bdash; which was owned by oligarch Andriy Melnychenko before the war in Ukraine, and whose current beneficiary is the entrepreneur's wife Alexandra. Both are on the European Union's list of sanctioned persons.