Results of geological exploration for diamonds, base and precious metals (DBPM) under the "declaration principle" of the licensing, and specifics of implementation of the principle to primary gold deposits as an example

The article presents results of the work for diamonds, base and precious metals, fulfilled in the Russian Federation under the "declaration principle" licenses since the mechanism came into effect. The key aspects of amendments in its regulatory framework are demonstrated. Information is provided on the actual financing of geological exploration; the dynamics of applications for and issuance of licenses; and the increase in reserves of diamonds, base and precious metals. Some specifics of the mechanism implementation with respect to primary gold deposits are considered. Some specifics of the geological exploration effectiveness during the mechanism implementation for primary gold are detailed in terms of its reserves increase dynamics; the history of geological exploration of the objects put into the state balance; and the comparative assessment of these objects with respect to the quantity of the mineral reserves, average gold grade in the ores, and the reserves categories with other ore deposits first recorded in the state balance, whose geological exploration was carried out on other grounds for issuing the licenses. Conclusions on the implementation of the "declaration" licensing mechanism for DBPM are presented.