Specific features of sustainable development in mining regions and industries: balancing economic, social and environmental interests
O.Yu. Smyslova1,2, R.A. Zhukov1, L.A. Shmeleva1, L.G. Akhmetshina1, V.V. Zavadskaya3
1 Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russian Federation
2 Bunin Yelets State University, Yelets, Russian Federation
3 Omsk Branch of the Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation, Omsk, Russian Federation
Russian Mining Industry №4/ 2026 p. 162-170
Abstract: The mining sector accounted for 22.5% of Russia’s GDP in 2024. The aim of this study is a quantitative assessment of the balance of economic, social and environmental interests in twelve resource-producing regions based on indicators of the sustainability triad. A hypothesis is made that the level of mono-specialization in mining negatively correlates with the integral sustainability assessment regardless of the GRP per capita. The empirical base comprises data of the Federal State Statistics Service (Rosstat), the Federal Service for Ecological, Technological, and Nuclear Supervision (Rosprinadzor), the Federal Service for Supervision of Consumer Rights Protection and Human Well-being (Rospotrebnadzor), the Ministry of Energy and nonfinancial reporting of companies for 2018–2024 (8,760 observations). Based on this information the authors performed rate setting for six indicators, calculation of an integral score and a disbalance index, as well as a correlation-regression analysis. The range of the integral score is 23.4 points: from 53.9 (Kuzbass) to 77.3 (Krasnoyarsk Krai). Kuzbass is in the “resource trap” quadrant (with the disbalance index of 82.7; carbon intensity of 138.5 t CO2-eq/million rubles; 29.97% of air samples exceeding MACs). The Yamalo-Nenets and Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrugs combine high income with limited diversification (with the mining share of 54.8 and 48.6 %), forming “affluent single-industry specialization”. The Spearman coefficient ρ = −0.71 (p < 0.01) confirms the hypothesis. Environmental protection investments in oil and gas sector grew 2.15 times with a 17.2% emissions reduction, while metallurgy showed 2.75 times growth with a 28.5% reduction in emissions.
Keywords: sustainable development of a region, mining regions, ESG, environmental efficiency, regional economy, carbon intensity, balance of interests, disbalance index
For citation: Smyslova O.Yu., Zhukov R.A., Shmeleva L.A., Akhmetshina L.G., Zavadskaya V.V. Specific features of sustainable development in mining regions and industries: balancing economic, social and environmental interests. Russian Mining Industry. 2026;(4):162–170. https://doi.org/10.30686/1609-9192-2026-4-162-170
Article info
Received: 05.03.2026
Reviewed: 28.05.2026
Accepted: 15.06.2026
Information about the authors
Olga Yu. Smyslova – Dr. Sci. (Econ.), Assoc. Prof., Leading Researcher at the Institute of Regional Economics and Interbudgetary Relations, Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russian Federation; Professor at the Department of Economics and Management named after N.G. Nechaev, Bunin Yelets State University, Yelets, Russian Federation; https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7008-5319; e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Roman A. Zhukov – Dr. Sci. (Econ.), Cand. Sci. (Phys.-Math.), Assoc. Prof., Leading Researcher at the Institute of Regional Economics and Interbudgetary Relations, Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russian Federation; https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2280-307X; e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Lyudmila A. Shmeleva – Cand. Sci. (Econ.), Assoc. Prof. at the Department of Operational and Industry Management, Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russian Federation; https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4380-3850; e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Lilia G. Akhmetshina – Cand. Sci. (Econ.), Assoc. Prof. at the Department of Industry Markets, Faculty of Economics and Business, Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russian Federation; ORCID: 0000-0002-4040-5470; e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Vera V. Zavadskaya – Senior Lecturer at the Department of Finance and Accounting, Omsk Branch of the Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation, Omsk, Russian Federation; https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3811-0569; e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
References
1. Arzhaev F.I. Methods for assessing the living standard in the Arctic regions of Russia. Arctic: Ecology and Economy.2025;15(3):149–160. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.25283/2223-4594-2025-3-149-160
2. Sakharov D.M. Opportunities and prospects for the transformation of the Russian economy based on the sustainable development goals. The World of New Economy. 2025;19(3):47–60. https://doi.org/10.26794/2220-6469-2025-19-3-47-60
3. Burmatova O.P. Some regional environmental challenges in modern conditions. Region: Economics & Sociology. 2025;(3):278–303. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.15372/REG20250311
4. Karaulov V.M., Karanina E.V., Gadzhiev N.G. Assessment of environmental efficiency in achieving sustainable development goals of the constituent entities of the Russian Federation. South of Russia: Ecology, Development. 2025;20(2):185–194. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.18470/1992-1098-2025-2-15
5. Karaulov V.M., Karaulova L.V., Pugach V.N., Karanina E.V. Eco-efficiency as the basis for sustainability development of the region. Theoretical and Applied Ecology. 2024;(4):211–224. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.25750/1995-4301-2024-4-211-224
6. Sheveleva O.B., Kumaneeva M.K., Zonova O.V., Chekanova V.S. Ecointensity as an indicator of economic growth quality: industry aspect. Ugol’. 2025;(3):88–91. (In Russ.) Available at: https://www.ugolinfo.ru/index.php?article=202503088 (accessed: 13.04.2026).
7. Velikaya N.M., Irsetskaya E.A., Kitaitseva O.V. Determinants of profession choice in students’ educational strategies in the context of the reproduction of human capital. Integration of Education. 2023;27(4):630–645. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.15507/1991-9468.113.027.202304.630-645
8. Bezsmertnaya E.R. Russian initiatives in the field of sustainable development of agglomerations and territories: working on the mistakes of ESG. Economics, Taxes & Law. 2025;18(5):60–68. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.26794/1999-849X-2025-18-5-60-68
9. Safonova I.V. Human capital and social responsibility of business in the focus of the national sustainable development agenda. Economics, Taxes & Law. 2025;18(3):121–131. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.26794/1999-849X-2025-18-3-121-131
10. Novoselov A., Potravny I., Novoselova I., Gassiy V., Sharkova A. Harmonization of interests during Arctic industrial development: The case of mining corporation and indigenous peoples in Russia. Polar Science. 2023;35:100915. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.polar.2022.100915
11. Potravny I., Novoselov A., Novoselova I., Gassiy V., Nyamdorj D. The development of technogenic deposits as a factor of overcoming resource limitations and ensuring sustainability (Case of Erdenet Mining Corporation SOE in Mongolia). Sustainability. 2023;15(22):15807. https://doi.org/10.3390/su152215807
12. Burmatova O.P. Methodological foundations of the approach to forecasting the environmental consequences of forming the regional economy. Region: Economics and Sociology. 2024;(1):302–329. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.15372/REG20240110
13. Makhosheva S.A., Zhanokova M.V., Dzaparova V.M., Totrukova I.K. Ecological aspect of sustainable development of highmountain regions in the conditions of innovative economy formation. Sustainable Development of Mountain Territories. 2024;16(2):754–769. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.21177/1998-4502-2024-16-2-754-769
14. Chernikova L.I., Egorova D.A., Melikhov K.S., Yashchenko A.I. The interdependence of environmental activities and investment attractiveness: finances of Russian metallurgy. Finance: Theory and Practice. 2023;27(4):42–53. https://doi.org/10.26794/2587-5671-2023-27-4-42-53
15. Prudnikova A.A. The international economic decarbonization agenda: Russia’s view and response. Economics, Taxes & Law.2025;18(2):129-137. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.26794/1999-849X-2025-18-2-129-137
16. Petrov I.V., Novoselova I.Yu. ESG score calculation procedure: a case-study of ALROSA company with state participation. Gornyi Zhurnal. 2024;(8):39–44. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.17580/gzh.2024.08.06
17. Kolodnyaya G.V. Sustainable development of territories: successful practices of small russian cities. Economics, Taxes & Law. 2025;18(4):28–35. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.26794/1999-849X-2025-18-4-28-35
18. Spitsyn V.V., Mikhalchuk A.A., Chistyakova N.O., Tatarnikova V.V., Akerman E.A. Regional innovations influence on the ecological footprint of the Russian Federation territories: case of the Siberia and Volga regions. Bulletin of the Tomsk Polytechnic University. Geo Assets Engineering. 2024;335(3):240–252. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.18799/24131830/2024/3/4464
19. Safina A.R., Grabozdin Yu.P., Dramtsyna E.G., Kuznetsova T.E., Petukhova E.P. The dynamics of the coal industry’s export policy in Russia. Ugol’. 2025;(9):62–66. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.18796/0041-5790-2025-9-62-66
20. Loseva O.V., Munerman I.V., Fedotova M.A. Assessment and classification models of regional investment projects implemented through concession agreements. Economy of Regions. 2024;20(1):276–292. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.17059/ekon.reg.2024-1-19
21. Bogachov S.V., Goncharenko L.I., Ivanenko A.S. Strategic planning as a component of the managing the socio-economic development of a municipal district. Management Sciences. 2025;15(3):23–35. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.26794/2304-022X-2025-15-3-23-35
22. Garmaev E.Zh., Pintaeva E.Ts., Tulokhonov A.K. Baikal institute of nature management, Siberian branch, Russian academy of sciences: its contribution to the sustainable development strategy. Geography and Natural Resources. 2024;45(2):121–126. https://doi.org/10.1134/S1875372824700173
23. Cheglakova L.M., Bataeva B.S., Melitonyan O.A. Environmentally responsible behavior: Attitudes of Russian SMEs. Voprosy Ekonomiki. 2023;(5):106–130. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.32609/0042-8736-2023-5-106-130
24. Molchanov I.N., Molchanova N.P. Transformation of the economic space: new vectors of integrated development of territories. Economics, Taxes & Law. 2025;18(4):6-15. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.26794/1999-849X-2025-18-4-6-15
25. Perskaya V.V. Greening of industrialization as a new stage in the development of the global economy. Economics, Taxes & Law. 2025;18(2):19–30. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.26794/1999-849X-2025-18-2-19-30
26. Krinichansky K.V., Yurevich M.A., Fatkin A.V. Finance and growth nexus in Russia: Does the SMEs channel matter? Voprosy Ekonomiki. 2023;(6):76–93. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.32609/0042-8736-2023-6-76-93
27. Kormiltseva E.A., Adelshin A.V., Varova N.L., Starikov V.I., Shmakova A.P., Burmistrova N.A. Researching the possibilities of using digital financial instruments by future economists for sustainable development purposes. Science for Education Today. 2024;14(4):93–116. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.15293/2658-6762.2404.05
28. Erokhin V., Bobryshev A., Tianming G., Agafonova N., Sidorova M., Malinovskaya N., Zargaryan N. Determining the composition of integrated reporting indicators under uncertainty: the innovation-based convergence of economic, managerial, social, and environmental contexts. Journal of the Knowledge Economy. 2025;16(3):13393–13428. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13132-024-02489-5
