Modernization of the Coal Industry of the Far East during the First Five-Year Plan (1928–1932)

Abstract

Introduction. The coal industry of the Far East, which was the main fuel base of the region, was in a state of severe crisis by 1928. The enterprises of the industry did not have the necessary working capital, were equipped with obsolete equipment, experienced an acute shortage of qualified personnel. The solution of these problems became possible with the beginning of industrialization in the USSR and the provision of assistance to the region by the center. Materials and Methods. The source basis of the research is unpublished documents identified in the funds of federal and regional archives. In the course of the work, the author used a set of general scientific and special historical methods. Results and Discussion. During the implementation of the first five-year plan, the financing of coal mining in the Far East has sharply increased. At the mines of the region, the active introduction of the latest technology began, which made it possible to begin mechanization of production processes, increase the level of electrification and mechanization. The foundations of the personnel training system were also laid, significant labor resources from the central regions were attracted. However, despite the successes achieved: an increase in labor productivity, an increase in total production, the final results turned out to be more modest than expected. Basically, the changes covered the enterprises of Primorye, on Sakhalin and in the Amur region, reconstruction was carried out much slower. Conclusion. The reasons that caused the divergence of plans and the results obtained in practice were the periphery of the region, which led to its supply on a residual basis and ignoring its interests in favor of more industrialized areas. As well as underestimating the production capabilities of the enterprises themselves, the geological conditions of their operation. In 1928–1932, it was not possible to create a stable supply system for equipment and machinery, low qualifications and high turnover of labor remained.