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ECONOMY, ORGANIZATION AND MANAGEMENT
ArticleName Junior exploration companies as an effective instrument for replenishing national mineral resources
DOI 10.17580/gzh.2025.05.05
ArticleAuthor Filatova I. I., Ryazanov K. P., Utkin M. L.
ArticleAuthorData

JSC "Giprotsvetmet", Moscow, Russia

I. I. Filatova, Head of Junior Project Implementation Group, Candidate of Economic Sciences, irinafilatova.forwork@gmail.com
K. P. Ryazanov, Head of Geological Department, Candidate of Geological and Mineralogical Sciences
M. L. Utkin, Corporate Lawyer, Attorney

Abstract

The article substantiates the cooperation of junior geological exploration companies and state authorities to achieve effective reproduction of the mineral resource base of Russia in the field of solid minerals (hereinafter, SMP). The relevance of this topic is due to the growing demand for natural resources, as well as the challenges faced by the industry, including a high degree of competition and limited investment resources, as well as the current global geopolitical situation. The paper reviews the raw material base for current situation connected with the solid minerals, analyzes the existing interaction mechanisms between junior business and the state, including legislative initiatives and support programs aimed at stimulating development exploration for the period from the 1990s to the present (the 2020s). The cost-effectiveness of such partnerships and their effect on the sustainable development of the sector are also raised. The identified barriers in the development of the Junior Segment are divided into three key groups: geological, economic and legislative. As a result of the study, the authors conclude that the combined efforts between junior business and the public sector allow not only increasing the volume of mineral exploration, but also creating a more favorable environment for the investment in the industry, which reproduces the mineral resource base of the country, and creates additional synergistic effects.

keywords Geological exploration industry, mineral resource base, solid minerals, junior exploration companies, public–private partnership, legal aspects, ‘declarative’ principle, synergetic effect
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