Economic and Geographical Typification of Mineral Resources of the Podolsk Region

Abstract

The proposed article provides an economic and geographical classification of mineral resources of the Podilsk region (Ukraine) by functional characteristics, taking into account in particular their complex capacity, the current degree of development of resource potential, participation in the territorial division of labor. Groups, classes and types of mineral resources of the region are singled out. According to the first sign, all types of mineral raw materials are grouped into three classes A, B and C, according to the degree of development, three types of mineral deposits have been identified – a, b and c, ie those that are currently actively exploited, insufficiently developed and taken into account by the State Balance Sheet, but are in reserve. Criteria for classifying certain types of mineral raw materials as strategic are also proposed. According to the third feature, three groups of mineral resources have been identified: international, national and local. In the given variant of typification of mineral resources of region the attempt of convergence of geographical and geological positions in classifications which will promote clear definition of a role and a place of mineral resources in territorial and branch structures of economy, definition of national priorities in development of a mineral complex of the country. to geological practice. The first group (raw materials of international importance) in Podillya includes valuable mineral waters such as Naftusya, radon and sulfide waters, kaolins, graphite, facing stones of igneous rocks, ie raw materials with significant (modern or potential) export potential. The second group (raw materials of national importance) – the most numerous, this includes the vast majority of explored types of mineral resources in the region: most types of mineral waters, cement raw materials, building stones, agrochemical raw materials, some types of technological raw materials and more. Local raw materials include a small number of mineral species – ameliorants, construction sands, etc. The region has almost no mineral resources with high complex-forming properties (except for mineral waters such as Naftusya, on the basis of which large recreational complexes are formed). Class B (average complex-forming properties) includes mineral resources on the basis of which small mining units and centers are formed (cement raw materials, agrochemical raw materials, kaolins, mineral waters with specific components, etc.). However, the largest number of mineral resources in the region is not characterized by pronounced complex-forming properties and is classified as class C. Thus, the article describes the functional structure of mineral resources of the Podilsk region, which differs significantly from the all-Ukrainian, and development of balance reserves of already explored deposits and improvement of the existing infrastructure of the mineral complex of the region.