Deposits Of Natural Resources Research Articles

Многокритериальный подход к отбору вариантов создания сети железных дорог

The article provides a multivariate approach to the selection of options for the outline of a network polygon in a poorly developed area. When developing deposits of natural resources, it is necessary to qualitatively carry out a comprehensive assessment of the sustainability of the development of the relevant region and develop strategies for its development. An underdeveloped area can be classified as a problem region, which includes underdeveloped or depressed areas. By underdeveloped areas (regions), the authors understand the territories of a large area inhabited by a small population, poorly developed or completely absent railway network of communication routes on the one hand, and on the other, there are rich reserves of deposits of natural resources that cannot be fully exploited. To assess the prospective development of the railway network in such areas, taking into account its socio-economic development, it is proposed to use a multi-criteria approach. The main provisions of the methodology for the formation of options for creating a railway network using graph theory and their consistent multi-criteria evaluation are presented. A specific calculation example is given, showing the efficiency of the proposed methodology

Characterizing sulfur redox state and geochemical implications in deep-time using mineral chemistry network analysis

Sulfur (S) is a central element in global biogeochemical cycling and Earth’s redox evolution. Minerals that contain S are an important record of local environmental conditions at the time of their formation based on chemical speciation and redox. However, the oxidation state of S for hundreds of different S-containing minerals and thousands of S-containing mineral localities is unknown, largely sulfides and sulfosalts, and the redox state alone does not fully capture mineral chemistry diversity, thus limiting understanding of S redox evolution. Here, we use mineral chemistry network analysis and the weighted Mineral Element Electronegativity Coefficient of Variation (wMEECV) metric to investigate the element interactions and localities of S-containing minerals from the Mineral Evolution Database (MED) to infer the redox state of S in minerals where the redox state is unknown (SU). Louvain community detection of the S mineral chemistry redox network reveals that there are three main network communities that are separated by redox state. The S6+ community includes minerals that contain the S6+ redox state and a small number of S4+ and S2+ minerals, the S2− community includes S2−-containing minerals, and the SU community includes minerals in which the redox state of S is unknown. The wMEECV values of the SU community closely overlap with the wMEECV values of the S2− community, and do not overlap with the wMEECV values of the S6+ community, indicating the SU community minerals contain predominately reduced S. Assuming that SU community minerals contain reduced S, as supported by their network chemical associations and wMEECV values, then reduced S-containing minerals make up approximately 81 % of S-containing mineral localities in the S mineral chemistry network, even though the majority of all mineral localities (S-containing and non-S-containing) are oxygen (O)-containing minerals. Additionally, reduced S-containing minerals make up the majority (∼75 %) of all non-O containing mineral localities in the MED, representing the importance of reduced S as an electron source and substrate in the evolution of microbial metabolic networks. The range wMEECV values of S6+ community minerals expands through time due primarily to formation of chemically diverse sulfate minerals, coinciding with crustal oxidation from the late Proterozoic to Phanerozoic and the expansion of the marine sulfate reservoir. The intersection of shared constituent elements among reduced and oxidized S in the mineral chemistry network represents redox convergence of weathered S in the geosphere that was crucial in the formation of natural resource deposits and the evolution of biogeochemical cycles.

THE ARCTIC: THE STRUGGLE FOR RESOURCES AND INFLUENCE IN THE REGION

Modern climate changes caused by the processes of global warming are clearly reflected in the geopolitical interests of various states of the world in relation to the Arctic region. Accordingly, the relevance of the study of this issue is caused by the formation in the last decade of a number of opportunities that may be open to a state that will establish its influence in the Arctic. This is due to a combination of economic and political advantages expressed in the extraordinary amount of resources that characterize this region, the development of rational sea routes, the satisfaction of commercial goals and even the protection of the sovereignty of coastal countries. Thus, the purpose of the work was to define the Arctic as a political arena, in particular, to reveal the interests and plans of various countries regarding its territory and resources. For this, the research used the method of analysis and synthesis, comparison, deduction, generalization, as well as historical. As a result, it was established that active climatic changes in the world cause the formation and development of new economic opportunities in the Arctic. Accordingly, the role of this region was determined for such countries as Canada, Russia, United States of America, Norway, Denmark, Iceland, Sweden and Finland. It was possible to establish that their interests are to a greater extent caused by the desire to control the operation of the Northern Sea Route. In addition, the work described the advantages of the Arctic region, which describe the priority of establishing control over this territory by the relevant state. In particular, it is beneficial for the development of economic activity, the protection of the territories of coastal countries, it is characterized by a significant number of deposits of natural resources and other minerals, as well as wide transit opportunities. Thus, it was proved that it is appropriate to consider the Arctic as a socio-cultural, ethnic, socio-economic, geopolitical space around the North Pole, the resources of which provoke world states to compete with each other. The practical value of the work is revealed in the possibility of using its results for further scientific research, as well as educational material for those studying the Arctic and its role in international relations.

Rare earth element transport and mineralization linked to fluids from carbonatite systems

Abstract Rare earth elements are critical constituents for modern technologies, and some of their largest natural resource deposits are related to carbonatite systems. However, the mechanisms leading to rare earth element mineralization and the role of magmatic fluids in carbonatite systems remain poorly understood. Here, we present the first in situ characterization of fluids and their trace-element compositions in natural carbonatite systems by studying secondary quartz-hosted fluid inclusions from Oldoinyo Lengai volcano. By comparing our data to other fluids and melts from various carbonatite systems, we constructed a model for fluid-mediated rare earth element transport and mineralization. We show that carbonatite-related fluids are rich in alkali-carbonate + sulfate + chloride and CO2, but poor in H2O, and they can be significant carriers of rare earth elements (>1600 ppm). We argue that fluid CO2 contents are essential to preclude or slow down the interaction with wall rock during migration and that fluid-mediated rare earth element mineralization occurs when partial pressure of CO2 decreases in the fluid (i.e., during degassing).

Сравнительный статистический анализ развития промышленности в постсоветских странах за период 1990–2021 гг.

Introduction. Despite the transition of economic systems to a digital economy, today industry is a driver of the development of the economy of any country, and accordingly, consideration of the development peculiarities of this sphere in post-Soviet countries is of scientific interest. Hence, the purpose of the study is to analyze the industry development dynamics in the post-Soviet countries in the period of 1990–2021. Materials and methods. In the course of the study, methods such as analysis and synthesis, tabular and graphical, relative and average values were used. Results. At the start of the market transformation, post-Soviet countries had high industrial potential, while the share of the GVA industry in the GDP of each subject was above 20%. As we move away from 1990, more post-Soviet countries are showing a tendency to reduce the GVA ratio, which is due to the combination of factors, the main of which is the impact of the transformational transition and subsequent crises. The best results in hydrocarbon production are shown by countries with natural resource deposits: Russia, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan, the rest of the post-Soviet countries have near-zero production indicators, which reduces their ability to invest “petrodollars” in other sectors of the economy. Indirectly, the import structure shows problems in the manufacturing industry, in which in 2021 the import of machinery and equipment prevails in almost all post-Soviet countries. Conclusions. Summarizing the results obtained during the study, we can draw a general conclusion based on the results of the analysis: having some accumulated (formed) capital in industry, the post-Soviet countries were unable to convert it into sustainable development of their economic systems and at the moment are largely forced to rely on imports of machinery, equipment and vehicles. The findings will be useful to researchers in the field of post-Soviet countries’ integration and disintegration.

Evaluation of Asphalt Produced from Waste Tyre and Polyethylene Terephthalate-Based Bitumen with Paraffin Wax as Rejuvenator

During pavement construction and rehabilitation, large amounts of bitumen are often required. As such, the need for material diversification in pavement construction is essential to conserve the non-renewable natural resource deposits. This study assessed the use of Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) waste and grounded tyre combined in varying proportions with aged bitumen modifier, and wax as a rejuvenator in the production of asphaltic concrete. A 10% polymer replacement level was maintained for all modified mix batches with three distinct proportions: 6%-PET:4%-GWT, 5%-PET:5%-GWT, and 4%PET:6%-GWT. The rejuvenator was added in percentages 1, 2, and 3 by the total mass of modified bitumen mix. Results showed that the penetration values of the modified bitumen mixes with wax fall between bitumen grades 20–60, indicating suitability in warmer climates. Ductility results indicate an increase in ductility upon modification compared to the control mix. The 6%PET/4%GWT samples obtained the highest ductility values (M2 = 23.5 cm, M5 = 12.5 cm, M8 = 22 cm, M11 = 24.25 cm). The highest softening point value (84.5°C) was obtained with M3 (5%PET/5%GWT/0%wax). The inclusion of wax as a rejuvenator led to massive increases in viscosity values compared to both the control mix and the mixes without wax. Flash and fire point results fell within the same range, implying that the modification and rejuvenation did not yield significant impact on the flash and fire point properties. Marshall stability results showed that no modified bitumen batch obtained stability up to the control mix. The highest flow value (5.9 mm) was obtained with the M12 (5%PET/5%GWT/3%wax) mix. This was about 47.45% higher than that of the control mix and 23.7% higher than that of the corresponding mix without wax. The study recommends material diversification as well as dosage variation as essential in the drive towards achieving optimum stability in asphaltic composites.

The Arctic: The struggle for resources and influence in the region

This article defines the Arctic as a political arena and examines the interests and plans of several countries regarding its territory and resources, namely, Canada, Russia, the United States, Norway, Denmark, Iceland, Sweden and Finland. The article highlights the Arctic region’s advantages, emphasizing the priorities of each state to establish control over this territory. The Arctic region is beneficial for the development of economic activity and the protection of the territories of coastal countries, has a significant number of deposits of natural resources and other minerals, and significant transit opportunities. The Arctic region has become a subject of intense interest within the international community. There is a need to strike a balance between economic interests and environmental protection should guide diplomatic efforts to secure the sustainable development of the Arctic region for the benefit of all stakeholders.

Перспективи впровадження безумовного базового доходу в Україні

The article reveals the role of unconditional basic income (UBI) as an innovative tool for the development of the national economy. Based on the analysis of scientific works of domestic and foreign scientists, its advantages and disadvantages are determined. According to its supporters, the advantages of UBI include: transparency, efficiency, poverty reduction, positive impact on economic growth. Among the shortcomings, the following can be distinguished: high cost, probable loss of motivation by citizens to work, impossibility to eliminate the fundamental causes of inequality with the help of UBI. Examples of the implementation of UBI in developed, developing countries, and countries with emerging markets are given. The current socio-economic situation in Ukraine is characterized, taking into account the influence of endogenous and exogenous negative factors, the consequences of the full-scale Russian invasion, in particular the loss of territories with significant deposits of natural resources and powerful industrial potential, mass migration of the population, etc. Our state is currently unable to use its powerful economic potential. An analysis of the expenditures of the State Budget of Ukraine for 2023 on social protection and pension provision of the population was carried out. It is proposed to introduce the UBI in Ukraine as a reliable tool of social protection with the use of international aid funds (during martial law) and rent payments as sources of its payment. It is concluded that the payment of UBI will increase the level of trust in the state and reduce corruption, as citizens will have less need to receive additional income outside the tax system and state support programs.

Chinese mining industry: state of the art review

The territory of the present-day People’s Republic of China is rich in mineral and energy resources which stimulate the growth of the extractive industry in the country. China is currently the world leader in the production of 31 commodities (mineral products): molybdenum, tungsten, iron, aluminum, lead, zinc, gold, coal, gypsum, bentonite, and many others. This stimulates the development of the appropriate infrastructure and training of specialists in the mining industry, the development of international links for investment and the exchange of best production practices. The purpose of this work was to study the history of exploration and extraction of natural resources, establish a domestic strategy for the development of the mining and metallurgical sector, and review leading Chinese mining and metallurgical companies. The paper reviewed key domestic processes in China which would affect the domestic and global mining and metallurgical industry. An assessment of natural resource deposits throughout the whole territory of the country was carried out with their brief description, highlighting the prime prospects, and presenting commodity reserves. The paper presents the main challenges for the mining and metallurgical industry to be met in the 14th Five-Year Plan. The development of the industry up to 2025 implies the expansion of extractive capacities with an overall reduction in dependence on imports, enhancing exploration programs, and the reduction of harmful emissions from operating enterprises, etc. Special attention is paid to publicly traded mining and metallurgical companies in China. The leaders in each sector are presented, and their brief economic indicators are given.

The Violation of Human Rights during the Bakassi Peninsula Conflict from 1965 to 2013

The military skirmishes over the Bakassi peninsula between Cameroon and Nigeria was as a result of the vestiges of colonialism and the discovery of large deposits of natural resources in the area. This study explores the violations of human rights in the Bakassi peninsula during the Bakassi conflict. The study mainly explores how, when and where these human rights abuses were committed, and to a lesser extent why and who committed these abuses. The study adopts the qualitative research method and from it, historical consolidation and content analyses in terms of data collection. The use of secondary data, applied with the thematic approach in this study brings to the fore that there were lots of human rights violations during the Bakassi conflict in the Bakassi peninsula. This study could be utilised by researchers and policy makers to understand human rights trends in the Bakassi peninsula area.
 Keywords: Cameroon, Nigeria, Violations, Human Rights, Bakassi Peninsula Conflict

Перспективи впровадження безумовного базового доходу в Україні

The article reveals the role of unconditional basic income (UBI) as an innovative tool for the development of the national economy. Based on the analysis of scientific works of domestic and foreign scientists, its advantages and disadvantages are determined. According to its supporters, the advantages of UBI include: transparency, efficiency, poverty reduction, positive impact on economic growth. Among the shortcomings, the following can be distinguished: high cost, probable loss of motivation by citizens to work, impossibility to eliminate the fundamental causes of inequality with the help of UBI. Examples of the implementation of BBD in developed, developing countries, and countries with emerging markets are given. The current socio-economic situation in Ukraine is characterized, taking into account the influence of endogenous and exogenous negative factors, the consequences of the full-scale Russian invasion, in particular the loss of territories with significant deposits of natural resources and powerful industrial potential, mass migration of the population, etc. Our state is currently unable to use its powerful economic potential. An analysis of the expenditures of the State Budget of Ukraine for 2023 on social protection and pension provision of the population was carried out. It is proposed to introduce the UBI in Ukraine as a reliable tool of social protection with the use of international aid funds (during martial law) and rent payments as sources of its payment. It is concluded that the payment of UBI will increase the level of trust in the state and reduce corruption, as citizens will have less need to receive additional income outside the tax system and state support programs.

Accumulation of Metals in the Environment and Grazing Livestock near A Mongolian Mining Area.

The Mongolian economy is supported by rich deposits of natural resources, such as copper, coal, and gold. However, the risk of heavy metal pollution to livestock and human have been recently discussed. This research collected various samples from soil and animal (sheep, goat, horse, cow, and camel), blood and organs (kidney and liver) in the Mongolian countryside. These samples were processed, and the concentration of metals was quantified using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP/MS). As previously reported, arsenic was found at high levels of accumulation in soil. Selenium is another concern, as median concentration in one area exceeded the maximum allowable level. Cadmium and selenium were found to be highly accumulated in animal kidney. This research revealed the current pollution level in Mongolia based on evaluation of soil and animals. The concentration in animals could not indicate that animals had severe effects because of heavy metal exposure. However, kidney is eaten in Mongolia, and so there is a direct connection to human health, and this research suggested the possible risks posed by each edible animal. In particular, evaluation of metals in livestock is rare in Mongolia. This result can contribute to animal and human health in Mongolian communities.

WORLD COURT'S VERDICT TOWARDS BAKASSI PENINSULA: PORTRAYING GAINS AND LOSSES

Border discords are one of Africa's unending vestiges of European colonialism/imperialism; the Bakassi peninsula dispute between Cameroon and Nigeria was one of such. The subsequent discovery of large deposits of natural resources in the Bakassi region made Cameroon and Nigeria to engage into claims and counterclaims, bilateral diplomacy, military skirmishes, and finally resorting to the World Court or International Court of Justice (ICJ) for judgement. After eight years of deliberations, the court finally adjudged and declared that Bakassi belongs to Cameroon, sparking widespread criticism from Nigeria. Popular opinion in Nigeria held/holds that Nigeria benefited little or nothing following the ICJ verdict of October 10, 2002 and that Cameroon gained exponentially. Thus, the premise of this paper is to outline the gains and losses of both Nigeria and Cameroon following the International Court of Justice’s ruling, and to debunk the Nigerian perception of the verdict being partial and willy-nilly in nature. Using the qualitative method of research, secondary data based on previous research on the Bakassi saga was used. Using content analyses on the secondary data obtained, observations were made on what both Cameroon and Nigeria lost or gained after the World Court's verdict over the Bakassi peninsula. In its findings, this paper proffers that the gains and losses accruing to both countries are evenly distributed. This research can be a springboard for Cameroon and Nigeria to look beyond their gain and losses, and jointly carryout developmental activities in the Bakassi peninsula so as avoid future ethno-nationalistic tendencies in the area

Reassessing the past environmental damages within abandoned natural resource deposits

During the development of natural resource deposits, significant industrial impacts result in technogenesis, i.e. the formation of technogenic terrains and habitats, as well as land transformation. These result from the adverse impacts of the mining industry on the environment and lead to the formation of disturbed, degraded, and polluted lands. The Ural Federal District features a prominent mining industry. The development of underground and open-cut mining facilities involves damages, including the economic, social, and environmental losses for the communities and the nature. Accounting for such damages is crucial today for the mining territories of the Urals. Assessing the economic damages incurred by the communities and the nature caused by mining companies helped determine the monetary costs of the damages associated with economic activities, develop relevant and efficient environmental protection activities, and prevent industrial hazards associated with the mining industry. To assess the economic damages associated with economic activities, we developed a number of official and conventional techniques based on the actual concentrations of pollutants and other elements in the environment (air, soil, water, and biological entities).

Natural Resources and Conflict: A Case Study of the Bakassi Peninsula Conflict

This paper examined natural resources and conflict, using the Bakassi Peninsula conflict as a case in point. The paper is aimed at examining the role played by the availability of hydrocarbons in the 1,600-kilometre land boundary between Cameroon and Nigeria. Drawing from economic and cultural perspectives, the paper argued that even though the abundant natural resource deposits appear to be behind the squabble over the ownership of the peninsula, cultural affiliations between people of the disputed area and parts of Nigeria are contributory factors that raise critical questions. Data for the study were generated using secondary sources, and analysed qualitatively. The paper recommends, among other things, that effort should be made to reconnect the people alienated from the proceeds of the peninsula.

Integrating Accounting and Logistics Strategy in Business Management

The effective business management in adverse economic conditions necessitates the search for ways for integrating business accounting with innovative approaches to business management of material resources, especially the logistics system. 
 The need to integrate business accounting of material assets with the logistics system is substantiated by giving evidence of the complicating conditions for transportation of material assets in recent years, related, inter alia, with quarantine limitations. It is stressed that the requirements to logistics strategies are increasing along with growing transportation costs, diminishing deposits of natural resources, creating new product lines, setting new criteria for social, technological and environmental dimensions of business activities. It argued that when management staff overlook or ignore the potentials offered by logistics tools for management of material resources or when business accounting has no links with logistics, the impact of management on the purchase of material assets will be less effective. 
 Theoretical foundations of the integration of business accounting and logistics strategy of transactions with material assets for the achievement of economic security of business activities are highlighted. The principal dimensions for such integration (organizational, methodological, control and protective) and their key components are discussed. Organizational and technical schemes are proposed, aimed at creating a business accounting system integrated with other management functions (planning, economic analysis, control), in order to enhance the orientation of business enterprise on the effectiveness of logistics activities and achievement of economic security. The main objectives of business accounting with respect to logistics costs are determined for the business enterprises implementing the abovementioned approach to organization of logistics management.

Изменение потребностей экономики Дальнего Востока в транспортных услугах

Formation of the transport complex that meets the needs of the economy of the Far East has always been an important area of scientific research. At the present stage, the relevance of this issue remains, acquiring special significance due to the modification of external and internal conditions for the functioning of the macro-region. However, the current state is the result of the genesis of the relationship of the transport and economic system over a long period. The subject of the article is the relationship between the development of the economy and the transport complex in the macro-region. The purpose of the work is to consider the dynamics of changes in the needs of the economy of the Far East in transport services. In the process of economic development of the east of Russia, the structure of the economy, its scale, spatial and technological characteristics, the system of economic interactions within the country and beyond its borders changed. Changes in the economy took place with the use of allocated centralized resources, the scale of which was determined by the goals and objectives of the state in a particular period of time. The processes of development of the economy of the Far East required adequate transport services. The economic complexes and industries being created in the east of Russia formed the need for the development of transport infrastructure for access to deposits of natural resources, to labor resources, to ensure reliable supplies within the framework of the system of interregional and inter-republican cooperative ties, as well as to move finished products to consumers. At the present stage, new conditions for development of the economy of the Far East are highlighted, which are reflected in the changing requirements for transport, such as: the transformation of the scale and directions of foreign economic relations, an increase in the assessment of the usefulness of the factor of population mobility, the formation of new strategic guidelines for the socio-economic system. To minimize the risks of limiting the transport support of the economy of the macro-region, it is important to correct the development of the transport complex in a timely manner.

Russia, NATO and the Arctic: Rivalry, Security, Possible Scenarios of Geopolitical Competition

The article is devoted to the analysis of key aspects of the geopolitical struggle for the Arctic region. The relevance of the research stems from the fact that due to climate change and the reduction of ice cover in the Northern Hemisphere, the Arctic is of increasing interest to world powers, which are competing for control over new deposits of natural resources and strategic dominance in the region. It is emphasized that the Arctic has become a region where leading states are trying to implement various geopolitical strategies. On the one hand, the four members of the Arctic Five under the auspices of NATO are trying to implement a scenario in which the polar zone is divided into stable zones of influence. On the other hand, there are the interests and position of Russia, which is concerned about the increased military activity of the United States and NATO in the region. The purpose of the article is to study the problems of the Arctic militarization, which will make it possible to identify challenges and threats in this region for Russias national strategy. The research methodology is based on theoretical analysis and dialectical method. In addition, the study used formal logical methods and various approaches to information processing (analysis, synthesis, induction, deduction). The forecasting method helped to determine the range of possible military and political trends in the region. The article identifies the potential interests of Russia, the United States and NATO in the context of increased attention to the Arctic region in recent years. The study reflects a comparative analysis of the policies and interests of the member states of the Arctic Five and NATO, namely Denmark, Canada, Norway and the USA, their practical steps in the High North. The author describes possible prospects for interaction and dialogue on countering the main threats to international security within the framework of a comprehensive strategy. Considering the role and rivalry between Russia and NATO in the Arctic, the article highlights the authors forecasts of further military and political presence of NATO in the Arctic and the necessary actions for Russia to defend its northern territories.

Арктические корпорации и освоенческие риски: вызов и ответ

The realities of the Russian Arctic in recent decades make it possible to determine a special phenomenon of corporate development risks, which can be structured into resource, institutional and ecosystem risks. The resource risk reflects the contradiction between the conjuncture of the global resource markets and the specific conditions for the development of unique deposits located in the Arctic zone; institutional risk — between federal norms and rules for the development of natural resource deposits and local specific conditions for the construction and operation of resource facilities in the Arctic; ecosystem risk reflects the contradiction between large-scale economic activity and the fragility of Arctic natural systems. As a result of a comparative assessment of the development risks of three Arctic corporations in Russia, it was found that the highest risk is typical for the facilities of Norilsk Nickel, the lowest — for NovaTEK, and Gaz-promneft is in the middle. Using the OLI paradigm of John Dunning, it can be argued that Arctic corpora-tions respond to the challenge of development risks by adapting their spatial, institutional and organiza-tional structure to the conditions for the development of resources and resource territories. The spatial factor is most efficiently used by Norilsk Nickel, then NovaTEK, in the strategy of adaptation to develop-ment risks, with the receipt of benefits from localization and the creation of a regional cluster, while Gaz-promneft is the least effective. The institutional factor is most effectively used by NovaTEK and Gazprom-neft, and the least by Norilsk Nickel. The organizational and structural factor as a tool for adapting to risks is most skillfully used by Gazpromneft, weaker — by NovaTEK and Norilsk Nickel. Integrally, the best positions in the strategy of adaptation to development risks are held by Gazpromneft, and the worst positions by Norilsk Nickel, which has the most significant contrast between the size of development risks and the means of adaptation to them. Strengthening the internal competencies of the company and its corporate innovation system is the most important way to successfully cope with the high risks of corporate development of resources and spaces of the Arctic.

MIDDLE EAST COUNTRIES IN THE GLOBAL ECONOMY: CURRENT DEVELOPMENT TRENDS AND SECURITY ISSUES

The subject of the study is the economic development and security space of the Middle East. The aim of the article is to identify the peculiarities of the development of the Middle East in the global economy and to identify conflict issues that destabilize the region and deepen instability. Methodology (method). To achieve the goal and solve the outlined tasks in the research process used general and special methods: historical-logical, analysis and synthesis, generalization and quantitative comparison, visual (tabular and graphical) (to visualize the results of the study). Results. The importance of development and stability of the Middle East region for the global economy is substantiated. The structural structure of the Middle East region is determined and the historical preconditions of its formation are detailed. The tendencies to geopolitical transformation of the region are confirmed. The main challenges for development and stability in the Middle East have been identified, including local conflicts, the growth of terrorist acts, and ethnic problems. Emphasis is placed on the Kurdish issue, which periodically becomes acute and unresolved. Local conflicts that destabilize the region, as almost all countries have sufficient resources to confront, are analyzed. It is confirmed that the countries of the region are increasing their military potential to ensure their interests. The countries of the Middle East are identified by the level of human development. It is confirmed that the conflict areas of the region are negative for human development in the countries, and the progress made is slowing down. It is established that the world economy also depends on changes in the economic and political situation in the region, due to trade wars between countries, the application of sanctions. As an example, the restrictions on US foreign trade policy against Iran and the practice of sanctions are considered. The growing role of the countries of the study region in the global economy, which is determined by the presence of deposits of natural resources, in particular, oil, has been confirmed. The regional distribution of world oil reserves and its production is analyzed. The impact of OPEC's daily oil production restrictions on the COVID-19 pandemic on the Gulf economy has been elucidated. Measures to be taken by Middle Eastern countries to support economic development and security policy in the region are proposed.