Methodological principles for organization of monitoring in enterprises of natural recourse extraction

Abstract

The purpose of the research paper is to provide theoretical rationale for the methodology and organization of monitoring in branches of natural recourse extraction and processing. The main tasks of internal control and monitoring procedures by stages of natural resource management are outlined, namely: at the pre-exploratory stage, at the stage of conducting exploration and developing deposits, at the stage of extraction and processing of natural resources, at the completion of the project and closure of deposits. For deeper understanding of the internal structure and tasks relevant to areas and directions of monitoring, the “target tree” method is applied, which enables to determine the following ways for organization of monitoring: evaluation of information support and organization of monitoring; detection, elimination and prevention of violations and ineffective activities; mobilization on the basis of control over internal reserves; control over compliance with social and environmental regulations. The article provides characteristics of monitoring procedures at certain stages of the project on extraction and processing of natural resources, and identifies the main performers of such monitoring. Particular attention is paid to evaluation of project economic efficiency and control over compliance with social and environmental safety in locations of mining operations. A set of benchmarks is proposed and might be used: at the pre-exploratory stage, at the stage of conducting exploration, at the stage of processing and producing finished products, at the completion (closing) of the project, and at the stage of restoration of the area around mines to their natural state. Based on the indicators described, information sources for monitoring operations are identified. It is stressed that within the framework of internal monitoring, compliance with social regulations and environmental safety standards play an essential role along with the organization of production and economic control in enterprises of natural recourse extraction.