Dear readers!

Starting with the first issue of the Mining Industry Journal in 2020 we launch a series of publications on the development of natural resources in the Russian Arctic, understanding these resources primarily as mineral and raw materials.

Commercial development of mineral resources of the Arctic region began in the 1930-s and the 1940-s: coal excavation was started in the cities of Vorkuta and Inta, fertilizers were produced in Apatity, polymetallic ores were mined in Norilsk while gold and silver were supplied from Magadan. We all know the cost of this development - the infamous Gulag methods are no longer a secret. At the same time, this expansion into the Arctic region was made using domestically produced machinery and equipment, while science, technology and practical experience helped to overcome various challenges concerned with large-scale construction of such large cities as Norilsk, Vorkuta, Inta, Apatity, and many others. Over a million people lived beyond the Polar Circle.

Apart from Russia, mineral resources within the Polar Circle were mined by Sweden, Finland, the USA and Canada. read more ...