The category of “micro-strip mine” for the development of energy coal deposits in the Extreme North conditions
V.I. Fedorov
N.V. Chersky Institute of Mining of the North of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Yakutsk, Russian Federation Russian Mining Industry №1/ 2026 p. 83-88
Abstract: Open-pit mining of thermal coal deposits in remote Arctic regions near its consumption centers could become a significant element for sustainable development of Russia's Arctic Zone and the Far North. This approach would contribute to enhanced energy security and improved quality of life for both local population and indigenous minority groups, though it requires addressing several specific challenges and minimizing the associated risks. To efficiently support small-scale coal mining in Yakutia's Arctic zone, we propose introducing a new “Micro-strip mine” category into the industrial classification. This will enable tailored support mechanisms accounting for specific operational features of small-scale coal companies with the annual production capacities of 10–200 kt in Russia's hard-to-reach northern territories. The article identifies and develops the core requirements and operational criteria for ultra-low-capacity surface coal mines in Yakutia's Arctic zone, specifically designed to enhance stability of mining coal deposits located near the end-users under extreme environmental conditions.
Keywords: coal products, Extreme North, Far North, remote areas, coal mining, coal supply, coal quality, micro-strip coal mine
Acknowledgements: The research was conducted with financial support from the Russian Science Foundation (RSF) under scientific project No. 24-28-20376.
For citation: Fedorov V.I. The category of “micro-strip mine” for the development of energy coal deposits in the Extreme North conditions. Russian Mining Industry. 2026;(1):83–88. https://doi.org/10.30686/1609-9192-2026-1-83-88
Article info
Received: 12.10.2025
Revised: 16.12.2025
Accepted: 17.12.2025
Information about the author
Vladislav I. Fedorov – Researcher at the Laboratory of Problems of Rational Development of Mineral Resources, N.V. Chersky Institute of Mining of the North of Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Yakutsk, Russian Federation; https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7138-4951; e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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