Merko Ehitus                  NEWS RELEASE                      08/22/2003



OIL-SHALE MINING PERMISSION



According to the decision of chancellor of Ministry of the Environment

it was decided to issue a oil-shale mining permission for OÜ Merko

Kaevandused in Ida-Virumaa, Illuka district, landed estate Usnova.





Marko Pern

Financist

+372 6 805 130