Source Of Mineral Resources Research Articles

SPECIFICITY OF THE MINING INDUSTRY AS A TYPE OF ECONOMIC ACTIVITY

The article is devoted to the study of the characteristics of the mining industry as a type of economic activity. The role of mining in modern industrial relations as a source of mineral resources, including fuel and energy, is shown. Thanks to taxes and resource rents, this industry is the absolute leader in the share of income redistributed in favor of the state budget. The conditions under which mining is a driver of sustainable economic development are identified. The author singles out and characterizes such distinctive features of the mining industry as a high level of costs due to natural factors, capital intensity, scale, long-term concentration of production, active participation of the state, and high volatility of prices for mining products.

The importance of Antarctica: assessing the values ascribed to Antarctica by its researchers to aid effective climate change communication

It is useful to gauge the relative importance of different values that are placed on Antarctica, in order to advance the communication of Antarctic science as well as to facilitate decisions regarding the management of human activity, in particular surrounding climate change. This study investigates the values ascribed to Antarctica by its researchers with respect to those held by the general public. We surveyed 76 Antarctic researchers and then compared our findings with the compiled results of nine previously published studies that investigated public perceptions about the importance of Antarctica. We found that its researchers most frequently valued: the Antarctic’s role as a component of the Earth’s climate system, its role as a science laboratory for the benefit of mankind, its role as a pristine wilderness, and as an environment for wildlife. Fewer researchers placed value on its role as a key part of the history of human exploration, as a tourist destination, or as a source of mineral resources. In general, there was congruence between researchers and the public in the values they ascribed to Antarctica, and in particular, both acknowledged its value as a critical component of Earth’s climate system. Our study suggests that the intrinsic values of Antarctica’s wilderness and wildlife, above and beyond its instrumental values to science, tourism and future mineral extraction, is a solid working frame for future science communication based on shared values.

Basic Problems in the Study and Development of Desert Territories of the USSR

The desert zone of the Soviet Union is assuming an increasingly important role as a source of mineral resources, especially oil and gas, and as a region of stock herding, including the valuable karakul sheep. Lack of water and shifting sand are the principal development obstacles. An interagency research council under the Academy of Sciences USSR and the present specialized desert journal were established in 1967 to coordinate Soviet desert research and publish its basic results.