Patrushev outlined priorities for further development of subsurface use in Russia

On March 31, Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Patrushev took part in a Board meeting of the Federal Agency for Subsoil Use, where he summed up the work of the agency over the past year and outlined priorities for further development. The event was held in Moscow on the eve of Geologist's Day. This year, the holiday is celebrated in Russia for the 60th time.

It is noted that over the years, generations of geologists, prospectors, engineers and scientists have discovered the largest deposits, thereby laying the foundation for sustainable industrial development in Russia. The Russian Federation has a unique mineral resource base, which includes about 230 types of minerals. Due to this, the country is among the leaders in the extraction of well-known types of minerals.

"Russia holds a leading position in the production of diamonds, platinum group metals, gold and potash salts. In addition, despite any global challenges, a high level of production of oil, natural gas, phosphate and iron ores, as well as coal is maintained. By the end of 2025, the increase in reserves in a number of significant positions, including gold and iron ores, significantly outstripped production. In addition, the indicators for some rare metals have been increased. And for the first time in more than 20 years, new lithium reserves have been discovered, an integral component of the high—tech industry. All this is very important from the point of view of ensuring Russia's resource independence. Therefore, of course, the momentum must be maintained. This is facilitated by stimulating the inflow of private investment in exploration. Every year, the Government allocates significant funds to study the subsurface and assess resources in poorly explored territories. Last year, 24 billion rubles were allocated. In 2026, the financing was increased by 4.5 billion rubles. At the same time, the volume of private investments in exploration in 2025 exceeded 420 billion rubles, and over the past five years it has almost reached 2 trillion. Thus, the state is laying the foundation that reduces risks for businesses and allows them to implement profitable projects," Patrushev said.

According to the Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation, among the main vectors of further work of the department is to ensure domestic needs with strategic types of raw materials, the demand for which is growing rapidly. Implementation of the second stage of the federal project "Geology: the Rebirth of a legend". At the same time, special attention should be paid to compliance with the conditions of use and protection of subsurface resources, ensuring effective revenue administration, and continuing the practice of granting the right to use subsurface resources on competitive terms.

Raw material potential: 251 deposits of solid minerals have been discovered in Russia

How has this been achieved and what can it affect?

Patrushev held a meeting on the development of agricultural engineering on March 11. The participants discussed issues of stimulating demand for agricultural machinery, measures to support its manufacturers, as well as plans to produce combine harvesters, tractors and self-propelled sprayers. According to Patrushev, spring field work has started in Russia, which has already covered 14 regions of the country. The pace is ahead of last year's figures.

All important news is on the Izvestia channel in the MAX messenger.