Dmitry Patrushev: on the need for effective management of Russia's raw material base
16.01.2025
A meeting on the strategic management of the country's natural resources was held under the leadership of Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Patrushev. The central topic of discussion was the optimization of the control system over the exploration and production of minerals, including the activities of oil and gas and coal companies.
There are over 40 thousand deposits in the Russian Federation, where about 240 types of mineral resources are concentrated. It is noteworthy that the raw materials sector provides about 40% of revenues to the consolidated budget of the country. These figures emphasize the need for competent management of Russia's natural resources.
Particular attention is paid to holding auctions for the right to use specific subsoil areas, including on the continental shelf, inland sea waters and the territorial sea of ​​the Russian Federation. Legislation in the field of subsoil use is constantly being improved. A digital licensing system was recently introduced, control over compliance with the terms of field development was strengthened, and penalties for delays in geological exploration work were increased.
Significant progress has been made in solving the problem of unused licenses. Over the period 2022-2024, about 900 permits were terminated, the owners of which were not actively developing the sites.
Following the meeting, the Deputy Prime Minister gave instructions to conduct a comprehensive audit of current licenses and modernize the violation monitoring system. Particular emphasis is placed on the development of hydrocarbon production in the exclusive economic zone of the Russian Federation.
Experts note that improving natural resource management mechanisms helps to increase the efficiency of the mining sector and increase state budget revenues. The introduction of modern digital technologies allows optimizing the processes of licensing and control over subsoil use.