Development problems and prospects of the Tomtor niobium-rare earth deposit in the Arctic Zone of Russia: ecological and economic aspects

The article analyzes the main problems associated with the industrial development of the Tomtor niobium-rare earth deposit in the Arctic zone of Yakutia. The authors have identified groups of factors influencing the development of this deposit, including: natural and climatic factors (low air temperatures, permafrost), technological factors (complex geological conditions of field development, undeveloped territory and ambiguity of mining technologies), economic factors (high costs of field development, lack of infrastructure, difficulties in attracting investments for the project), environmental factors (high environmental costs associated with the project impact on environmental objects, since the project affects the territories of traditional nature management of the indigenous peoples of the North, etc.). The researchers have analysed the Chinese experience in assessing the environmental impact of the development of rare earth metal deposits, and have given the characteristics of specific environmental costs in the production of rare earth products. The purpose of the study is to substantiate and develop methods aimed at the industrial development of the Tomtor deposit.