The cabinet adopted a plan on Thursday to speed up privatisation of the coal-mining sector in 2000-2001 as part of the country's energy reform. The first stage of privatisation, information memorandums for attracting strategic investors, will be worked out for 13 coal mines which are seen financially and economically viable. Concessions for coal extraction will be also offered. The viable mines include the country's biggest mining complex-the Maritsa East mines company, the Bobov Dol mine and Marishki Bassein. Procedures for technical liquidation of unviable pits and unprofitable sectors of the mines listed for privatisation will be opened, but these entities will also be allowed to go private