Abstract

We examine the conditions for transport accessibility of the key deposits of raw mineral resources of the Far East and the directions of its further development. The characteristics of the raw mineral base of the region are considered in terms of the reserves and volumes of extraction of separate kinds of mineral resources. The key problems of developing mineral resources at the present stage are discussed. We demonstrate the development prospects for the raw mineral sector on the basis of creating processing facilities and switching over from the extraction of raw materials to obtaining the product with a high degree of processing and added value. A significant importance of the transport factor is emphasized for development of the deposits in the Far East which is most clearly pronounced in the northern regions. An unevenness of development of the region’s transport infrastructure, its poor quality (incompliance with the normative requirements of motor roads, and a limitation of railroad capacity) are highlighted. An analysis is made of the limiting influence of the poor transport accessibility on the raw mineral complex. The characteristics of the formation of transport schemes are outlined according to the location and volumes of transported resources. The study revealed a high demand of the enterprises of the extractive sector for the transport infrastructure which is not satisfied by the State. Examples of the development of the transport infrastructure elements by private companies on the territory of the Far East are investigated. The role of the Northern Sea Route as an important transport route in the medium- and long-term future is characterized. The efforts made to develop further this direction are pointed out: hydrographic investigations in the sea area, change in the institutional conditions of the functioning, and development of the icebreaker fleet of Russia. China’s interest in using the arctic sea routes for cargo transportation is shown. It is concluded that of strategic importance is an active exploitation of the Northern Sea Route by Russian companies for economic development of the deposits in the Sakha (Yakutia) Republic and Chukotka Autonomous Okrug.