Rating Assessment of the Potential of Extractive Industry Resources in the Economic Zones of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia)

Abstract

Spatially, the territorial structure of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) economy is divided into five economic zones: Central, Western, Southern, Eastern and Arctic zones, on whose territories there are many mineral deposits that are unevenly explored and involved in economic turnover. The article presents a quantitative integrated assessment of the potential of extractive industry resources in the economic zones. The assessment was performed using a point rating system with weighting factors determined by the expert evaluation method based on resource importance and taking into account the importance of each resource type in the region’s economy. It has been revealed that the main factors that influence on the potential of extractive industry resources, along with transport and energy infrastructures, are exploration immaturity of deposits, quality of ores, low content of mineral resources, as well as market conditions. In this regard, to improve the ranking of an economic zone, it is recommended to carry out exploration and appraisal activities in economic zones, which need for a strong government support not only in funding, but also in regulation.