Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Government of the Russian Federation – Government of the Russian Federation –
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Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Patrushev addressed the board meeting of the Federal Agency for Subsoil Use. The event summarized the results of work for 2025 and outlined plans for the future. The board meeting took place on the eve of Geologist's Day, which marks its 60th anniversary this year.
"Thanks to the work of geologists, Russia today holds a leading position in the extraction of diamonds, platinum group metals, gold, and potash. Furthermore, despite all global challenges, high levels of oil, natural gas, phosphate and iron ore production, as well as coal, are maintained. By the end of 2025, reserve growth for a number of significant reserves, including gold and iron ore, significantly outpaced production. Furthermore, growth in several rare metals has been achieved. And for the first time in over 20 years, new reserves of lithium—an essential component of high-tech industry—have been discovered. All of this is crucial for ensuring Russia's resource independence. Therefore, the current momentum must certainly be maintained," said Dmitry Patrushev.
The Russian government annually allocates significant funds for subsoil exploration and resource assessment in underexplored areas. Last year, 24 billion rubles were allocated. This year, funding has been increased by more than 4.5 billion rubles. Private investment in geological exploration exceeded 420 billion rubles in 2025, and over the past five years, it has nearly reached 2 trillion rubles.
Dmitry Patrushev outlined the primary challenges facing the geological exploration industry. The key areas are reflected in the Strategy for the Development of the Mineral Resource Base of the Russian Federation to 2050. One of its priorities is securing the country's strategic raw materials, the demand for which is rapidly growing.
The Deputy Prime Minister emphasized the importance of creating conditions for the effective development of rare and rare earth metal reserves. The Rosgeologia holding company should be the driving force behind this work.
Furthermore, high-quality implementation of the second phase of the federal project "Geology: Revival of a Legend" is essential. The program emphasizes expanding reserves in regions with high industrial loads. It is planned that by 2027, resources and reserves will be replenished at more than 40 sites in Siberia and the Far East.
Dmitry Patrushev noted that special attention must be paid to exploring promising areas in the reunified regions, expanding their mineral resource base, and creating new production centers. A corresponding research program has already been developed, and its implementation must be closely monitored.
Furthermore, increasing the level of digitalization in the industry has become a separate set of objectives. This will, for example, make it possible to more effectively and quickly identify dormant licenses, encouraging subsoil users to develop deposits.
Dmitry Patrushev also addressed the issue of increasing budget revenues from subsoil use. This work has been effectively implemented, with revenues increasing by 30% in 2025. This area needs to be developed, including through improved industry regulations.
In the area of international cooperation, the federal agency prioritizes joint geological exploration of cross-border territories, as well as the exchange of geological exploration technologies, primarily with CIS countries. Furthermore, the Deputy Prime Minister noted the need to intensify dialogue within the BRICS framework. It is also important to assist Russian companies in implementing international projects.
Concluding his speech, Dmitry Patrushev emphasized the importance of qualified personnel. Systematic measures, including dialogue with businesses and the joint development of practice-oriented educational programs, will attract young specialists to further develop the geological exploration industry.
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