26/01/2006 (Agence Europe) - On 25 January, the European Commission decided to approve 13.9 million euro aid which Slovakia proposes to grant to mining company Hornonitrianske Bane Prievidza a.s. (HBP) in the years 2005 to 2010. Since this aid does not exceed 30% of projected investment costs, it is deemed compatible with the provisions of the Regulation on State Aid to the coal industry.