Changes in the Mineral Resources Economy of the Russian North

This article considers two trends in the structural changes in the mineral commodity economy of the regions of the Russian North. The first trend is the stabilization of oil and gas production volumes with the rapid progress in oil and gas chemistry. The second trend is an increase in the production and comprehensive utilization of raw ore. The first trend contemplates a change in priorities in developing coastal Arctic territories and water areas as well as a more important role of medium and small deposits in the territory of old developed areas in the extraction of hydrocarbons. The second trend implies a more intensive production of nonferrous, rare, and rare-earth metals extremely necessary for recovering machine building, the technology sector, and other industries of the national economy. New opportunities for developing the regions of the Russian North are exposed in connection with the utilization of mineral raw materials and the organization of natural resources economy by region. It is emphasized that the mining industry can be a growth driver like the oil and gas industry. This circumstance somewhat counterbalances the economic potentials of the regions of the Russian North that specialize in mining and the fuel and energy industry.