Raw Materials Research Articles

The Spatial and Temporal Characteristics of Ecosystem Service Trade-Offs and Synergistic Relationships in a Mountainous Region of Northern China

Understanding ecosystem service trade-offs and synergies is the foundation for achieving the efficient management of the ecosystem and improving human well-being. Therefore, in this paper, multi-scale trade-offs and synergies among eleven secondary ecosystem service (ES) types of four ecosystem service categories in the mountainous areas of North China in 2015 are assessed using statistical methods and spatial analysis, and their driving factors are analyzed, including natural factors and socioeconomic factors. The results show that for the study area, only the raw material production service and nutrient cycle maintenance service, water supply service and hydrological regulation service, environmental purification service and biodiversity maintenance service, environmental purification service and aesthetic landscape service, and biodiversity maintenance service and aesthetic landscape service show extremely strong synergistic correlations at four spatial scales. The spatial autocorrelation among services at different scales is basically consistent with the statistical correlation, but the degree of correlation varies. Unlike the grid, township, and county scales, all service pairs are spatially autocorrelated across the study area at the land use type scale, and the clustering characteristics are more obvious and similar. All service pairs are synergistic with low–low values at the mountain–plain junction in the Taihang Mountain (THM) and in the northern part of the Bashang region (BSR). The spatial trade-offs and synergies of the regulating and maintenance services in the study area are closely related to the spatial distribution of land use types. The main natural influence on the synergistic trade-offs of ecosystem services (ESs) at the township scale is elevation, while socioeconomics are mainly influenced by population and GDP. This study can contribute to strengthening decision makers’ understanding of the spatial scales of ES relationships in mountain areas and the extent to which different natural and socioeconomic factors influence them.

Determining the PM10 Pollution Sources near the Copper Smelter in Bor, Serbia

The EPA Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF) 5.0 model was applied to determine the sources and characteristics of PM10 collected near the copper smelter in Bor, Serbia, from September 2009 to July 2010. For a better understanding of the industrial sources of PM10 pollution, the dataset was divided into four observation periods: heating season (HS), non-heating season (NHS), copper smelter in work (SW), and copper smelter out of work (SOW). The daily limit for the PM10 fraction of 50 μg/m3 was exceeded on one-sixth of days in the NHS, about half the days in the HS, and about one-third of days during the SOW and SW period. The nine different sources of PM10 were identified: fuel combustion, industrial dust, dust from tailings, storage and preparation of raw materials, secondary nitrate, Cu smelter, traffic, cadmium, and plant for the production of precious metals. The contribution of factors related to the activities in the copper smelter complex to the total mass of PM10 was 83.1%. When the copper smelter was out of work the contribution of all the factors related to PM10 pollution from the copper smelter to the total mass of the PM10 was 2.3-fold lower, 35.8%, compared with the period when the copper smelter was in work. This study is the first attempt to use PMF receptor modeling to determine the air pollution sources and their contribution to ambient air pollution in the city of Bor, Serbia.

Intensification of Trade Interactions between the Regions of China and Russia

The article identifies the Chinese provinces that are the points of growth of the Russian imports. Their main supply channels to the Chinese market are concentrated in the eastern coastal regions of China, being traditionally more developed. Russian imports are growing faster through the Chinese pilot free trade zones. However, geographical and product diversification is still slow. The supply structure of Russian products is still dominated by raw materials, while imports of high value added products are growing rapidly in some regions of China. The rapid growth of Russian imports is observed in some regions of the Yangtze River Economic Belt, which creates additional opportunities for the intensification of trade interactions with the Russian regions within the project «Volga-Yangtze». The connection of the export sectors of the economy of the Volga Federal District with the import of China is considered in more detail in the article as a potential for further intensification of trade interactions. The regions with a high level of economic diversification (the Nizhny Novgorod and the Samara regions) have the greatest opportunities for developing trade interactions. Current conditions indicate that prospects for the further intensification of Russian exports to China are determined by the expansion of production (in the regions with a high share of exports to China and other friendly countries), development of transport and logistics system, adaptation of Russian products to the needs of the Chinese consumer. One way to increase exports of Rus-sian high-value-added products is to reduce barriers to the supply of such products in China’s free-trade zones. In a limited international market, Russian regions may have to compete more for Chinese consumers as the domestic market becomes saturated.

Assessment of financial stress in Latin American countries during periods of global economic shocks

A feature of modern international markets is their susceptibility to global and local shocks that contribute to the spread of financial stress. This article presents approaches to assessing financial stress and demonstrates their application in Latin American countries. Insufficient attention of the authors to this problem in the context of the study of regional factors of instability and financial crises is noted. Particular attention is paid to the methods of constructing a generalizing indicator of financial stress. On the basis of extensive statistical material in relation to the large economies of Latin America, the author's index of financial stress has been developed and tested. Calculations for 2007—2023 made it possible to identify three periods of increasing stress in Latin American countries and record its peak values: during the global financial crisis, the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as during the 2022 food crisis. There is also a high level of correlation between stress in the United States and Latin American countries, which is explained by their close financial and trade ties. In addition, the synchronicity of the reaction of different Latin American countries to a particular shock has been empirically proven.

Approach before alcoholic fermentation of mixtures with syrup in a Cuban distillery

Because of the competition with final molasses in different productions, it is necessary to look for other sources of sugar substrates to obtain ethanol. Streams derived from sugar production, such as final molasses, syrup, or filter juice, contain fermentable sugars, representing an opportunity for ethanol production. This work conducted a preliminary study in the alcoholic fermentation stage using a mixture of filter juice, molasses, and syrup. It also analyzed the feasibility of using syrup as a raw ferment material obtained from low-quality sugarcane. The experimental study was carried out using a 2k-1 experimental design, considering as variables: substrate (molasses or syrup), dilution agent (water and filter juice), and type of acid (H2SO4 and H3PO4), and the response variable was the alcoholic percentage obtained. Syrup, diluted with water using H3PO4, is a viable option when low-quality sugarcane is present, allowing the alcoholic degrees between 5.45 and 5.47%. With filter juice, alcoholic degrees between 5.22 and 5.30% were obtained, which are lower than in other studies with filter juices from sugarcane of adequate quality. The most influential variables were the dilution and acidifying agents in the statistical model obtained using Statgraphics Centurion XV 15.1.0.2 software. Keywords: experiment design; mixture; fermentation; syrup; substrate.

Problems of Transport Provision in the Regions of Eastern Siberia and the Far East

The article provides a detailed analysis of the existing transport infrastructure in the East of the country, taking into account the development of export directions. A comprehensive study of two main railways, highways and ports that provide communication in the regions of Eastern Siberia and the Far East was carried out. The advantages, disadvantages and prospects for the development of the largest checkpoints have been identified. It is shown that there is an annual development and strengthening of the international integration of the eastern regions of Russia with the countries of the Asia-Pacific region, while taking into account the national interest of the Russian state. The integration of the eastern regions with the unified transport system of Russia is also developing by increasing the carrying capacity of the Eastern range. The number of border road and rail crossings is growing, port capacities are expanding, and the country’s key logistics hub is being formed. But despite this, it is shown that there are transport problems in the Far Eastern regions of the country: lack of supply railways to seaports, low railway capacity, poor development of transport infrastructure for the development of natural resources. It is concluded that there is a need to develop transport infrastructure in the Far East, which will improve socio-economic indicators in the eastern regions. The development of integration of the railway with sea ports will increase the export of raw materials and products with high added value from the mining and metallurgical, fuel and energy, chemical and agro-industrial complexes. Effective implementation of transit potential will not only make it possible to obtain economic benefits from participation in international transport, but will also create new instruments for Russia’s influence on global economic processes.

Pottery complex of the Alakul Culture from kurgans 1 and 14 of the Alakul cemetery: results of technical and technological analysis

Presented are the results of the analysis of pottery skills of a group of the Bronze Age Alakul Culture, who made burials under mounds 1 and 14 of the Alakul burial ground (forest-steppe Trans-Urals). The study was car-ried out within the framework of the historical and cultural approach and following the methodology developed by A.A. Bobrinsky. The traditional methods of making vessels that existed among potters of the analysed population have been determined, the heterogeneity of potters' views on the initial plastic raw materials has been detected, as well as some differences in the manufacture of vessels from different burial mounds at the stages of compiling moulding compounds and design. As a result of the study, the earlier assumption, based on the analysis of shape and ornamentation of the products, about the increased complexity of the composition of the analysed population at the stage of construction of mound 1 and the processes of mixing, in all likelihood, of related groups of the population who had their own traditions in the manufacture of pottery, manifested in the materials of kurgan 14, has been confirmed.

Technology of manufacturing copper and bronze tools of the Petrovka Culture of the Southern Trans-Urals and Middle Tobol region

The article presents the results of metallographic analysis of the Petrovka Culture tools from the southern Trans-Urals and Middle Tobol River region of the 19th–18th centuries BC (47 items). A certain correlation has been determined between the functional purpose of an item, the type of raw material, and the tool manufacturing scheme. The tools were mainly made of copper contaminated with impurities, obtained from oxide-carbonate ores with the addition of chalcocite-covellite minerals. A butted axe, sickles, knives with handles, tanged chisels, hooks, and some awls were made of copper, both by casting in a mold with subsequent finishing and by forming forging. Copper tools obtained by casting often had casting defects — shrinkage cracks and warping of the metal. In most cases, the tools were finished either in the regime of incomplete hot forging at 300–500°C, or hot forging at 600–800°C and pre-melting temperatures of 900–1000°C. During the Petrovka period, tin and tin-arsenic bronze started being used for manufacturing adzes, chisels, handled knives, the majority of awls, needles, spear-heads, and arrows. More progressive types of alloys in terms of fluidity, filling mold without defects in the form of low-alloy tin and tin-arsenic bronzes (Sn up to 7%, As up to 4%) came from related tribes of the Petrovka Culture of Saryarka, possibly from the Petropavlovsk Ishim region. The resulting castings were of high quality with smooth surface without metal warping defects. Subsequent finishing was carried out by selecting optimal heat treatment regimes mainly at 600–800°C or 900–1000°C, as well as using incomplete hot forging at 300–500°C. The hardness of the tools finished by forging with heating significantly exceeded the microhardness of the processed copper by 1.5–2 times.

Pharmaceutical Resilience

Supply chain resilience involves creating diverse and redundant sources for raw materials, optimizing logistics, and employing advanced forecasting techniques to anticipate and mitigate potential shortages. Manufacturing resilience focuses on adopting scalable and adaptable production technologies, enhancing quality control measures, and establishing contingency plans for production disruptions. Regulatory resilience entails the capacity to navigate and comply with evolving regulatory landscapes swiftly, fostering collaborations with regulatory agencies to expedite approval processes during emergencies. Innovation and research resilience are crucial for sustaining drug development and responding to emerging health threats. This involves investing in cutting-edge technologies, fostering partnerships for collaborative research, and maintaining a pipeline of new therapies and treatments. Pharmaceutical resilience also requires effective communication and coordination among stakeholders, including pharmaceutical companies, healthcare providers, governments, and international organizations. By enhancing these components, the pharmaceutical sector can better withstand and recover from disruptions, ensuring continuous access to essential medications and safeguarding public health. This abstract emphasizes the multifaceted approach needed to build and sustain resilience within the pharmaceutical industry, ensuring its capacity to meet both current and future challenges effectively. Keywords: Supply Chain Management, Regulatory Framework, Research and Development (R&D), Manufacturing Capabilities, Healthcare System Integration, Innovation

Chemistry of tin bronzes and possible sources of tin in the Urals and Kazakhstan in the Late Bronze Age

The article discusses geochemical groups identified according to the results of the LA-ISP-MS analysis of tin bronzes of the Ural-Kazakhstan region of the Late Bronze Age. Based on the statistical analysis of 13 impurity ele-ments of 74 bronze and tin-containing copper products from the sites of the 2nd — early 1st mil BC in the Southern Trans-Urals and Northern Kazakhstan, seven chemically contrasting groups have been identified, which mark vari-ous types of tin sources. A significant part of the metal reflects the polymetallic nature of tin deposits, which are probably associated with the structures of Northern and Central Kazakhstan, where tin was mined together with cop-per ores. The second part of the sample — without a clear correlation of tin with other metals — reflects the cassiter-ite type of ores. It clearly shows the correlation As-Co-Ni±(Sb, Fe, Au), which is characteristic of the copper deposits of the Urals, indicating the alloying of the Ural copper ores with cassiterite master alloys. Data on tin metallogeny, ore chemistry, types of deposits, and known ancient mines of Northern, Central and Eastern Kazakhstan, which could have been sources of raw materials in the metallurgy of the Late Bronze Age, are presented. The main tin-bearing structures of Kazakhstan are the Kokshetau block in the north, the Kalba-Narym zone in the east, and the Ulytau, Bulattau, Atasu, and Sarysu-Teniz structures in Central Kazakhstan. Greisen, quartz-vein and pegmatite types of primary tin deposits, accompanied by placers, are known here. The ores at the deposits are represented both by pure cassiterite (in association with quartz, wolframite, tourmaline, etc.) and by association with sulphides (chalcopy-rite, pyrite, arsenopyrite, galena, bismuthine, etc.) and copper oxide-carbonate ores.

Значение Энергетического Сектора в Геоэкономическом Положении Азербайджана в Первом Десятилетии XXI Века

The article analyzes the development path of the energy sector of Azerbaijan over the past quarter century and its geoeconomic significance. The article jointly analyzes the geoeconomic parameters of Azerbaijan’s energy resources and their role in economic diversification for the first time. This analysis covers a certain period of time, during which new proposals are made, such as revising the importance of energy resources in the world and implementing the transition to green energy. Studying the material of the article allows us to consider to a certain extent the nature of the global political course around energy resources and the dividends that it has brought and can bring in the future to Azerbaijan. On the eve of the COP 29 event, it is very important to analyze the positive impact of this event on the geopolitical influence of Azerbaijan and the benefits it brings to its geoeconomic interests. It can also serve as a kind of basic material for researchers conducting research in this direction. The importance of the energy sector in Azerbaijan's geoeconomic situation during the first decade of the 21st century can be explored through several dimensions, including the country's strategic position, its energy resources, and how these elements shaped its geopolitical influence and economic growth. The scientific innovation of this theme lies in understanding the transformational role that Azerbaijan's energy sector played not only in its national development but also in the broader regional and global geopolitical context.

Analisis Biaya Produksi dalam Peningkatan Penjualan

This study aims to analyze production costs in increasing sales in the Sultan Bakery small industry in Bandarjo Dusun II, Kec.Pasaman, Kab.Pasaman Barat. The main focus of the research includes the relationship between production costs and selling prices, the effectiveness of production cost management on profit margins and increased sales, and factors that influence production costs in the context of market competitiveness. This research used a qualitative method with a descriptive approach, where data were obtained through observation, in-depth interviews, and documentation studies. The results showed that efficiency in managing production costs has a significant influence on the ability of businesses to set competitive selling prices. The main factors that support this efficiency include raw material management, labor optimization, and overhead cost control. In addition, the selection of quality raw materials and effective labor management help maintain cost stability without compromising product quality. This strategy not only maintains customer loyalty but also increases the competitiveness of the business in the local market. The increase in sales achieved by Sultan Bakery is consistently supported by planned cost management, production scale efficiency, and the application of modern technology. This study concludes that production cost efficiency plays an important role in supporting profit margins, increasing sales, and strengthening the competitiveness of small businesses in the local market.

Preparation and Characterization of Sulfonated CaO Catalyst for Biodiesel Production from Waste Cooking Oil

Biodiesel production depends on raw materials. Low-quality oils, such as cooking oil, crude palm oil, and sludge oil, are used to reduce costs, and they contain free fatty acids (FFA) and water. Soap can be produced when using the alkaline catalyst during transesterification. In this work, the sulfonation method prepared the esterification of waste cooking oil by sulfonated CaO as a bifunctional catalyst. The sulfonated CaO catalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction spectroscopy (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), temperature-programmed desorption of carbon dioxide and ammonia (TPD), BET surface area, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). It was observed that the specific surface area, pore volume, and pore diameter of the CaO increased after being sulfonated with a 2 M sulfuric acid solution. It showed a high total surface acidity and basicity, 7.22 and 3.86 mmol/g, respectively. The optimal FFA conversion (84.94 %) from the waste cooking oil was acquired at a reaction temperature of 65 ˚C, a 9:1 MeOH: Oil molar ratio, and 5 wt% catalyst loading for a 3 h reaction time. The 2 M sulfonated CaO catalyst can be reused twice with a high FFA conversion without further treatment under optimized reaction conditions. The 2 M sulfonated CaO catalyst has potential treatment for biodiesel production from high-FFA oils due to its lower production cost and high catalytic activity.

Improving the Quality of Composite Ceramic Products Using Various Types of Activation

The subject of this article is the development of composite materials using methods of activation of raw materials and activation of water. This article focuses on the electrical activation of water used in the preparation of ceramic mass. Electrochemical activation of water is carried out in an electrolyzer with anode and cathode zones with a constant magnetic field. The following works were carried out for the electroactivation of water. Water is placed in a container with electrodes (anode and cathode) and exposed to an electric field. At the first stage, before activation, the hydrogen index pH of the water medium was measured. After activation was complete, the pH of the activated water was measured again and then filtered to remove any sediment that had formed. To obtain composite materials, clay from the Tuleiken deposit in the southern region of Kyrgyzstan was used. Grinding of raw materials in the process of mechanical activation leads to an increase in the homogeneity and density of the product microstructure, a decrease in energy costs, and an improvement in the quality of the finished product. The finished samples were tested for compressive strength, water absorption, and frost resistance. The results showed that mechanical activation of clay and electrical activation of water have a positive effect on their strength, water absorption, and frost resistance. The sediments released during the activation process allow the removal of salt-like substances from water. The precipitates released during the activation process allow the removal of salt-like substances from the water. Thus, the proposed method allows for the improvement of the quality of composite ceramic materials and reduces production costs.

THE ELECTRONIC TRADING OF WAREHOUSE RECEIPTS ON GLOBAL AGRICULTURAL EXCHANGES. CONCLUSIONS FOR POLAND

The aim of the study is to assess the use of Electronic Warehouse Receipt (EWR) as an instrument to support the trade of agricultural raw materials on global agricultural markets, to analyze the possibilities and potential of introducing this system in Poland, as well as to initiate a discussion on the restoration of the system of licensed storage and electronic warehouse receipt. Statistical data published by the Futures Industry Association and data obtained from commodity exchanges, as well as available literature, were used as source material. The analyses carried out show that a properly implemented EWR provides a proven solution to problems occurring in the food economy: the financing of current operating costs of running a farm and farm liquidity, and the financing of trade between participants in the supply chain. For a EWR system to be successful, it is necessary to understand the value chain, market and business environment. It is also important to assess risk, competitiveness, relationships and processes, justification and financing needs of chain participants. Thanks to this approach, a warehouse receipt can constitute loan security for all participants in the value chain, following the goods. Dematerialization of the warehouse receipt enables the takeover of trading in this document by a licensed exchange, and thus enables not only trading in a futures instrument, as on the CBOT or MATIF exchange, but also in a cash instrument with physical delivery, as on the TMEX or e-NAM exchange. The warehouse receipt system in Poland has been abolished, but the problems it solves remain. Taking into account the advantages of the warehouse receipt system, it should be restored in Poland to provide the agricultural sector with effective and proven solutions.

Searching for islands of happiness – LBK settlement at Cząstków Polski site XII, Czosnów Commune in Mazovia, Central Poland

Abstract Loose finds associated with the LBK have long been recovered during surveys in the Warsaw Basin, Mazovia. Most often, they have been interpreted as remnants of short stays of LBK communities migrating northwards along the Vistula River, or as stopping points of expeditions southwards for flint. Rescue excavations at Cząstków Polski site XII, Czosnów commune, although carried out on a small scale, provide the first possibility of a comprehensive multiproxy analysis to test this hypothesis and determine the nature of the settlement. By integrating the results of the analysis of natural conditions (soils, hydrography), excavated features, and artefacts: pottery (technology, stylistics, petrography), flint (raw materials, typology, use-wear) and coarse-grained stone (raw materials, typology, use-wear), we show that the site actually represents the remains of a small, shortly used settlement that is part of a small contemporaneous settlement micro-region occupied during the beginnings of the middle LBK (early Music Note phase). This micro-region is an example of a peripheral, short-lived and thus unsuccessful colonisation of early farming communities associated with the LBK.

Environmental Expectations, Socioeconomic Demands and Sustainability of the Zapatosa Marsh, Colombia: Perspectives from Local Stakeholders

The Zapatosa Marsh Complex (ZMC) is a strategic ecosystem in Colombia, under threat from human-driven factors such as population growth and subsistence extraction activities. Local residents experience high poverty levels and low educational attainment, exacerbating conflicts between their socio-economic needs and marsh conservation efforts. This study aimed to present a participatory approach to prioritize actions for sustainable development in Chimichagua, the municipality encompassing the largest part of the ZMC. We identified and characterized local stakeholders, engaging them in a participatory action research project to determine barriers and opportunities for economic growth and food security. The insights gathered were collaboratively used to formulate actions that balance the sustainability of the ZMC with local economic development. Stakeholders identified the ZMC as an opportunity for employment and raw materials, while pointing to poor support from territorial entities as the central barrier. A prioritized action was the construction of a concentrate feed production plant utilizing local raw materials. This work offers a methodological contribution that could be applied to address socio-economic and environmental conflicts in other strategic ecosystems.

Metagenomic Insights into the Bacterial Diversity of Balinese Fermented Sausage (Urutan) from the Household Industry

Fermented urutan is a dry fermented sausage made from a mixture of pork and Balinese spices, traditionally prepared using conventional methods. However, variations in spices and raw materials may affect the bacterial diversity of urutan. This study aimed to reveal the bacterial diversity of urutan from household industries using a metagenomic approach. A bacterial diversity analysis was conducted using Nanopore Sequencing Technology (ONT). Samples were collected from household industries in two regencies: Tabanan and Gianyar. The results show that Bacillota (98%) had the highest abundance in all samples at the phylum level. At the genus level, variations in bacterial composition were observed, with Staphylococcus (8–89%), Weissella (5–32%), and Lactococcus (3–39%) being the most abundant. The richness and diversity of bacterial species were greater in the KH group (Gianyar regency) than in the BRT group (Tabanan regency). A correlation analysis revealed that five genera—Staphylococcus, Lactococcus, Mammalicoccus, Macrococcoides, and Citrobacter—showed a strong correlation with the pH, water activity (aW), and acidity of fermented urutan. These findings provide insights into the bacterial community and could aid in the development of starter cultures to improve the consistency and quality of traditional fermented foods.

RECEIVING AND ADSORPTION CHARACTERISTICS OF BIOCARBON MATERIALS FROM HOUSEHOLD WASTE

The aim of this research is the development of new carbon materials based on agricultural waste and a detailed study of their physicochemical properties, which allows to evaluate the potential directions of use of these materials in industry and environmental technologies. Within the framework of the work, four types of waste were chosen, in particular, wood sawdust, apple cake, as well as wheat and corn husks, which are widely available and rarely used as raw materials for creating adsorbents. The selected materials were subjected to the process of pyrolysis at a temperature of 500°C for one hour, which effectively preserves the porous structure of the material and improves its adsorption properties. The obtained samples of biocarbon materials were analyzed using nitrogen porosimetry, which made it possible to determine their adsorption potential, porosity, and total surface area. The results of the study showed a significant difference in the adsorption capacity of the samples, depending on the type of raw material. The sample based on corn husk demonstrated the highest adsorption activity, which indicates its potential for water purification from various types of pollution, including organic and inorganic compounds, heavy metals and other toxic substances. In addition, an additional analysis of the samples was carried out in order to assess their potential in other industries. In particular, the revealed porosity and surface area of ​​the materials allow us to consider them as promising components for filtration systems, catalysts in chemical reactions, materials for energy storage, as well as means for environmental protection and environmental restoration. The results of the study confirm that the use of agricultural waste for the creation of functional carbon materials is not only economically beneficial, but also an ecologically appropriate approach, which contributes to reducing the amount of waste and creating new opportunities for sustainable development.

Food value chains configurations and resilience of rural mountain communities: three dairy business models in central Apennines (Italy)

The research was held in “Alto Molise,” a mountain area embedded in a small region of southern Italy, focusing on the dairy value chain of the “caciocavallo cheese,” historically rooted in the socio-ecological system of the mountain reference landscape. The local production system connects the environmental setting (i.e., permanent grasslands and meadows), livestock farming skills (linked to the pastoral heritage like traditional transhumance practice), the production of dairy goods (still partially made with craft techniques), and socio-cultural heritage (e.g., mountain farming and artisan culture). In particular, the focal value chain of caciocavallo cheese in Alto Molise involves local natural and socio-cultural resources, it is also linked to other value chains (such as tourism and meat production), and its development can contrast socio-environmental depletion of the territorial capital in Alto Molise, according to the different business models operating in the value chain. This chain is organized around the cheesemakers who hold a market power compared to others, even though the breeders are the ones to rely on the uniqueness of the natural resource units. This form of governance leads to high value creation but with a low efficiency of value distribution. Indeed, the market structure and power relations for each stage of the chain process resulted in oligopsony for milk production and milk collection, while the milk processing has the characteristic of monopolistic competition. The analysis resulted in a strong weakness of the farmers, which may threaten the very economic sustainability of the value chain. In order to represent the situation, the research identified three ideal types of business models to outline their interaction with the socio-ecological system at different stages of the value chain (production, processing, retailing, and consumption) and their impact on territorial capitals and on the resilience of mountain rural communities, including adaptation to climate change and reverse depopulation: model A—Network variant: cheesemakers use only local raw milk establishing fair economic and social collaboration with local breeders; Model B—Market variant: cheesemakers use pasteurized milk produced in the area, in Italy or in the UE for a more “industrialized” production process, model C—Autonomy variant: breeders/milk producers are also cheesemakers in this case. At the production level, the environmental capital and the socio-cultural capital and intangible cultural heritage enter the value chain mainly through business models A and C. Business model B allows this connection and valorization only based on the specialization and dairy enterprise reputation, connects with territorial capital of the production stage of experiential tourism and meat value chains, and the actors as processors and family businesses, but not on the territorial capital of the production stage as landscape based on the interaction of agriculture with the natural habitats. This implies a shift in the production model toward a more industrialized one with raw materials from outside the area and stable farming models with common permanent grassland and meadows less engaged in the chain.