According to Aradszky, applicants would be allowed to open mines where coal could be extracted at a profit and the ministry is planning to offer oil, gas and geothermal energy exploration as well.

Given that Hungary has already submitted the required documents to Bussels, commercial operations of the Hungarian-Slovak gas interconnector could start as early as the end of January if the European Union completes the necessary procedures, Aradszky said, adding that the pipeline already carries gas.