New governor of Sverdlovsk Region Alexander Misharin presented a new team. He appointed 15 members of the government, including new ministers.

Estyuninskaya iron-ore mine

On December 23, 2009 explosive materials blew up accidentally in Estyuninskaya iron-ore mine, which belongs to VGOK (Vysokogorsky Iron Mines, EVRAZ-integrated Company, Nizhny Tagil, Sverdlovsk Region).

Ammonite was transported down the mine to replenish on-site storage and exploded 180 meters down the shaft. 114 workers were evacuated immediately, 9 people died.

The families of workers who were killed in the accident will receive 1.9 million rubles of compensation. A criminal case has already been opened following part 3 of article 216 of the Criminal Code (violation of safety rules during mining works).

New appointment in the Sverdlovsk Region's Government

Regional Duma deputies approved appointment of three new ministers. Konstantin Koltonyuk, a 28 year old politician, became the regional Finance Minister. Vladimir Levchenko was assigned to be the Minister of Governmental Property Management. Vladimir Vlasov became Social Development Minister.

15 more members of the regional government were appointed on December 21, 2009.

Fire in the theater

Serious fire at a Musical Comedy Theater spoiled the performance. Fire department received a call at 6.30 p.m. on December 26, 2009 when the performance was already running. When firemen came, theaters personnel and spectators were evacuated (the total of 600 people). According to preliminary information, the fire started due to short circuit.

Market listings

The cost of shares of Corporation VSPMO-Avisma grew by 4.4 %. At the same time, oil prices fell by 8% and caused oil companies stock to fall in price. Thus, listings of Gazprom fell by 1.5%, listings of Rosneft - by 4.7%. LUKoils market capitalization reduced most of all (minus 7.5%). Gazpromneft is the only company that showed growth of 1.3% because it won a tender for oil processing in Iraq.