8 Floating Nuclear Plants and Minerals Survey Signal Russian Development Plans

April 11, 1600 EDT (EIRNS)-Following an April 9 announcement that Russia would be building eight new floating nuclear plants to supply electricity to its northern and eastern coasts, sources today report an ongoing survey of four major underdeveloped mineral deposits in the Russian interior.

According to Sergei Cherkasov of the Vernadsky State Geological Museum in Moscow the survey is intended to provide the government with a prognosis of mineral resource potential. The geological survey department of a major European government is expected to aid in the study.

Deputy Prime Minister Sergei Ivanov announced April 9 that Russia's first floating nuclear power plant would be commissioned in 2010, and supply electricity to the Arctic port of Severodvinsk. He added that there were plans for seven more such plants to be located on the northern and eastern coasts, according to the Interfax news service.

Russia's vast mineral deposits and specialized know-how in exploration and extraction will play a crucial part in the development of the Eurasian landmass, envisioned in LaRouche's "" development program, and his recenton solving the heightening Iran crisis, and threat of spreading war in southwest Asia.