Abstract <p>The following are considered key areas of new resource and industrial development: in the east of Russia, the taiga regions (Katanga and Ust-Kut districts of Irkutsk oblast, Kalar district of Zabaykalsky krai, and Neryungri district of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia)) and, in the south of Mongolia, the arid (Gobi) regions (Tsogttsetsii and Khanbogd soums of the Umnugovi aimag). The main focus is on assessing the impact of economic development on the socioeconomic and demographic situation in the respective areas. The general features of the development of key areas have been identified: low population density, the beginning of intensive development at the close time (mainly in 2009–2013), the predominance of the shift method of development, and the orientation of exports of extracted mineral raw materials to a large extent to the Chinese market. Significant differences in development processes between countries have been established. The studied regions of Russia are characterized by an unfavorable transport and geographical location relative to sales markets, a declining population and an insufficient level of budgetary and financial security, and the dominance of the interests of resource companies over the interests of territories and the local population. Meanwhile, the developed soums of Mongolia are characterized by a favorable position relative to the Chinese market, intensive settlement and development, a more pronounced social orientation of development, and an effective role of the state in controlling the activities of mining companies.</p>