Ecological and Economic Prerequisites for the Extraction of Solid Minerals from the Bottom of the Arctic Seas

The world ocean has huge reserves of minerals that are contained directly in the water, as well as on the surface of its bottom and in its subsoils. The deposits of solid minerals on the surface of the bottom of the World Ocean are considered the most promising for industrial extraction. The deposits of ferromanganese nodules, cobalt-manganese crusts and polymetallic sulphides are considered as an object of extracting more often than others. There are the largest deposits of ferromanganese nodules in the central and southern parts of the Pacific Ocean, in the central part of the Indian Ocean, and in the seas of the Arctic Ocean near Russia. The deposits of ferromanganese nodules are a serious alternative to deposits of manganese ore on land. However, there are many factors influencing the efficiency of the development of ferromanganese deposits, the most significant are: the content of the useful component in the ore, the depth of the bottom and the distance from the seaports. It is also necessary to take into account the possible environmental consequences of underwater mining

Development of the Characterizing Indicators for the Existing Biodiversity and Natural Ecosystems and Their Role in Habitat Formation

Particular species of living organisms contribute to our natural environment in respective particular ways. Joined together, these species form biocenoses, able to run vital natural functions. Biogeocenoses that tightly link living and non-living organisms are the basis of ecosystems, our planet and human beings as biological species in particular, as later ones are fully dependent on the environmental condition. Determining the contributions of specific species and, subsequently, ecosystems is an essential aspect of human environmental policy. Determining the importance and value of biological diversity as well as understanding of its existence is a mandatory element of environmental policy of major industrial corporations and the basis of future economic decisions of all countries

Features and Benefits of the Concession Mechanism in the Sphere of Subsoil Management

The article presents the interaction scheme worked out by the authors which shows state and private sector interests in public-private partnership. Four main possible ways of transferring mineral deposits to an investor for the development are highlighted and tax regulations are described. The authors considered the advantages of the concession as a way to facilitate investment processes in the development of mineral deposits that are difficult to access. The authors compared the risks that occur under concession agreements and production sharing agreements when developing mineral deposits. Data on the historical experience of this form of subsoil management in the world and in Russia are described in the article. The need to elaborate legal platform for application of concession mechanisms in mineral deposits development in Russia has been determined

Factors and Objectives of Sustainable Development at the Implementation of Digital Technologies and Automated Systems in the Mining Industry

Mining inevitably violates the natural environment. The consequences of its functioning for the environment are diverse at different stages of the life of the enterprise. During mineral exploration, environmental damage is generally negligible, localized, and can be relatively easily repaired. Subsequent initial work, both with open pit and underground mining methods, has a more significant impact on the environment, but still less significant than with the development itself. During extraction and enrichment, the main production process, the most noticeable consequences are violation of land resources, pollution by wastewater, changes in hydraulic regime and composition of atmospheric air. The key factor, of course, is not how much land is used for any particular activity, but whether this use can be compatible with maintaining environmental integrity

Features and Benefits of the Concession Mechanism in the Sphere of Subsoil Management

The article presents the interaction scheme worked out by the authors which shows state and private sector interests in public-private partnership. Four main possible ways of transferring mineral deposits to an investor for the development are highlighted and tax regulations are described. The authors considered the advantages of the concession as a way to facilitate investment processes in the development of mineral deposits that are difficult to access. The authors compared the risks that occur under concession agreements and production sharing agreements when developing mineral deposits. Data on the historical experience of this form of subsoil management in the world and in Russia are described in the article. The need to elaborate legal platform for application of concession mechanisms in mineral deposits development in Russia has been determined