Economic Appraisal of Rare-Earth Metals on Life Cycle of the Project Aimed at Development and Use of Natural Resources: Russian – Chineese Experience

The article studies extraction and use of rare-earth metals as a factor of green economy development. It shows possible negative impact during development of rare metal deposits on ecologic and economic system at different stages of extraction, transportation, including the Arctic zone and ore processing. Experience of Russia and China was analyzed in economic appraisal of costs and benefits during implementation of projects dealing with natural resource development with due regard to their life cycle. Methodological approach to integral economic assessment of rare-earth metals was advanced, including economic appraisal of involved natural resources and ecologic costs of production, which could fix prices on such resources with regard to ecologic factors, stimulate application of technologies on complex use of natural raw materials, which includes processing of secondary raw materials and work out the mechanism of regulating natural resource use at all stages of project life cycle. In order to support projects aimed at developing rare metal deposits it is proposed to use such tools as granting credits, tax privileges and subsidies and using a part of funds of carbon tax on greenhouse gases.