June 2nd, 2015 10:36 am

Maybe some of the experts will find this background information useful ...

Recently, there has been regular talk about "huge reserves of rare earth metals," which should become a kind of payment for Russia's implementation of major infrastructure projects in the DPRK. Then I came across a couple of figures on this topic from the Institute for Unification of the Chunan Ilbo Newspaper. It seems to me that these figures are very overestimated, but I’ll just announce what they gave out (although they also say that this is “presumably”)

It turns out that in terms of rare earth metals, southerners (represented by this Institute) in terms of reserves of rare earth metals put North Korea second in the world after China .
Here are the data: in million tons: China - 89, North Korea - 48, Russia - 21, USA -14, Australia - 5.8, India - 1.3.

Note that the representatives North Korea puts itself first in the world. Last year, the Department of Geological Exploration of the Ministry of Development of State Resources of the DPRK (maybe the exact name is different, so for accuracy I’ll write what it was called in the article - 조사국 국가자원개발성) announced the results of its estimates of the reserves of rare earth metals in the DPRK - as much as 210 million tons. That is, I repeat, the first place in the world. They say that geologists from Australia were involved in the work. The southerners looked at it, they said that these were only “estimates”, and not the results of geological exploration, it must be taken into account that these metals are often found among other resources, and therefore it is difficult to get to rare earths. In general, according to the southerners (they refer to an anonymous source in the government of the South), the economically justified volumes are just 49 million tons. That is the second place in the world.

Major deposits and mines : in the west coast area and near it - Cheolsan, Ryongpo, Monggympo, in the DMZ area in the center - Upton, in the east coast area - Chaho, Opok, in the Gimchaek and Ryongyang areas, as well as Musan (on the border with China).

It turns out that the DPRK is even ahead of Russia. I am not an expert on this topic, but it seems to me that this is a very, very strong overstatement. Otherwise, North Korea would have traded in rare earth metals for a long time and in large quantities. It is clear that there is a problem of lack of electricity, technology and other things. But if there were such a guaranteed jackpot, then I am sure that Pyongyang would get to the reserves and open them, given the strong need for foreign currency.
According to the southerners, the northerners exported only 60 tons of rare earth metals to China last year.

On the other hand, a few years ago, persistent rumors began to appear that and on the world market of rare earth metals, there was some kind of inexplicable stuffing from somewhere. Some began to nod towards the DPRK. But it remained at the level of rumors.
I will also add that rare earth metals now look like the main “purse” with which, as it is believed, the DPRK will pay Russia for all announced megaprojects (the same “Victory”). I know about the skeptical grunts, but here it is.

If experts in geology will say their weighty word, I will be grateful. In particular, it is interesting how difficult it is to organize the extraction of rare earth metals, comments on rumors about the presence of world-class reserves in the DPRK and other things on the topic. And so you have to listen, as a rule, to the arguments on this topic of political scientists, at best, economists, who are actually not particularly specialists in deposits of natural resources.

And now about the oil reserves in the DPRK

Key points of the note

The Mongolian company HBOil in December 2013 acquired a 20% stake in the North Korean refinery Seungni for $10 million. They were going to carry out geological exploration for the presence of oil and gas reserves in the DPRK.
- in 2004, the British company Aminex in the Tonhan basin of the East (Japanese) Sea announced a high probability of oil and gas deposits. Preliminary estimates - 4-5 billion barrels of oil. We signed an agreement with North Korean partners, but stopped working in 2012 due to the unstable situation around the DPRK.
- In 2005, the Chinese CNNOC announced the possibility of up to 60 billion barrels of oil in the Sohan Gulf of the Yellow Sea. MOU signed with DPRK Vice Premier Roh Doo Chol. Cooperation has been suspended due to the cooling of bilateral political relations.
- There are also rumors that there are reserves in Myeongchon and Onsong counties of North Hamgyong Province and Onsong County of the province (Myeongcheon - 300 million barrels, Onsong - 100-300 million). There are talks of reserves in Anju and Kaecheon counties of South Pyongan Province.
- Representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Trade of the DPRK themselves stated (according to the Chunan Ilbo) that they have oil reserves at the level of 60-90 billion barrels. If this is so, then in terms of oil reserves, the DPRK is in 8th place in the world immediately after the UAE. But this is at least not confirmed, and experts hardly believe in it.
- The DPRK has some reserves, but there is no money and equipment for conducting prospecting and exploration work. Drilling one well (test) costs 10 million dollars. China does not particularly want to supply drilling equipment to the DPRK (according to Chunan Ilbo, because it is afraid that having discovered oil, the DPRK will become independent of China's help)
- At the moment, the DPRK imports a significant amount of oil from Russia, deliveries are carried out by tankers through the ports of Chongjin and Rajin. Processed at the "Synni" refinery in the Rason area. In the period from January to September 2014, the DPRK imported $15 million worth of crude oil from the Russian Federation, which is 12% more than in the same period in 2013.
- From China, oil goes to the DPRK from Daqing through Dandong and Sinuijzhu. Oil refining is carried out at the Ponghwa refinery.
- Due to the fall in oil prices, the DPRK has generally lost interest in finding oil, it believes that it is more profitable to import.

I repeat once again, all these theses are not mine, but are given in a note, I just voiced this to the respectable public.

Geographical position

North Korea (DPRK)

located in East Asia, the country occupies the northern part of the Korean Peninsula and the adjacent part of the mainland. The state in the north borders on China, in the northeast - on Russia. In the south, North Korea borders on the Republic of Korea. From the west the country is washed by the Yellow Sea, from the east by the Sea of ​​Japan. The country owns several small islands in the West Korea Bay. The capital of the state is the city of Pyongyang. The area of ​​the country is 120,540 km². The relief of the country is mainly mountainous, there are a large number of valleys and ravines. The largest coastal flat areas are located in the southwest of the country.

A whole network of short and low mountain ranges and plateaus cover the entire northern and eastern parts of the peninsula. The highest point in the country is Mount Paektu (2750 m). It is located on the border with China.

There are a large number of rivers on the territory of the DPRK: Taedongan, Cheryonggan, Cheongchonggan, Yalujiang (Amnokkan), and others.

In winter, cold continental air enters the DPRK from the mountainous regions of the Asian mainland. The average temperature in winter is -4°С in the southern regions and -8°С in the northern regions. In the mountainous regions of the country, winter temperatures can drop to -18°C. Warming often occurs in winter.

In summer, oceanic air masses make the country's climate very humid. The average summer temperature is +18-22°C.

Precipitation in the Pyongyang region falls from 800-1000 mm per year, in the mountainous regions on the east coast - up to 1500-2000 mm. the greatest amount of precipitation falls during the monsoon period (mid-summer) and late autumn. In winter, there is usually little snow, and strong winds often blow.

The best time to visit North Korea is late spring (May-June) and early autumn (September-October).

Visas, entry rules, customs rules

Currently, entry into North Korea is possible only as part of an officially organized group. Visas are issued only for a group. You can get a visa through a travel company or at the consular section of the embassy, ​​which is more difficult and takes more time. The travel company must be officially recognized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the DPRK.

The cost of a tourist visa is about 40 US dollars. Paperwork usually takes up to 1 month. The visa may be without explanation.

Import and export of foreign currency is allowed, it will need to be declared. For the entire amount spent in foreign currency, the tourist will have to provide documents on the legal purchase of goods.

In case of currency exchange, you will need a certificate from the bank. Import and export of the national currency is strictly prohibited.

Small amounts of tobacco and alcoholic beverages, as well as personal items, can be imported into North Korea duty-free. You will have to declare any souvenirs, products made of precious metals, personal computers, photo and video cameras, watches, tape recorders.

It is forbidden to bring mobile phones, pagers and laptops into the country. If they are declared, they will be returned upon departure from the country. It is also impossible to import into the country photo, audio, video and household appliances in larger quantities than required for personal needs.

The import of propaganda literature, books about North and South Korea, foreign publications, literature in Korean, pornographic materials, weapons and ammunition, explosives, binoculars, seeds, drugs and narcotic medicines is prohibited. Pets, plants and groceries can be imported if there are special certificates.

Customs regulations in the country can change quite often.

Population, political condition

The population of the DPRK is about 24 million people. In ethnic terms, the largest part of the population is represented by Koreans ("Joseon Saram"), there are also a small number of Chinese and Japanese in the country.

The official language of North Korea is Korean. He belongs to the Altai group of the East Asian race. The phonemic letter "Hangul" is used. This is one of the few forms of writing that have survived unchanged from the Middle Ages to the present day. However, the language of the DPRK is different from the language of South Korea. Here they speak with a peculiar accent and use a large number of idioms borrowed from China and Russia.

The largest cities of the country: Pyongyang (2,470,000 people), Chongjin (754,000 people), Nampo (691,000 people), Sinuiju (500,000 people), Wonsai (350,000 people), Kaesong (345,000 people).

North Korea is a democratic republic with a communist form of government. At the head of state and government is the General Secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea and Chairman of the Defense Committee of the DPRK, Kim Jong Il. The highest body of state power is the DPRK Defense Committee (National Defense Committee).

Legislative power is exercised by the unicameral Supreme People's Assembly. This assembly consists of 678 deputies elected by the people for 5 years.

In administrative terms, the DPRK consists of 9 provinces ("to" or "before") and two cities of central subordination. These cities have the status of provinces.

What to see

Pyongyang is one of the most ancient cities in the northeastern part of Asia. After the Korean War, it was rebuilt.

The appearance of Pyongyang is very distinctive and contradictory.

One of the main attractions is the Juche Idea Tower. The height of this monument is 170 meters. In front of the tower stands a 30-meter sculptural group of the same name.

At the place where Kim Il Sung delivered his speech on the unity and independence of the nation, there is the Arc de Triomphe. It looks very much like a Parisian.

Nearby you can see the Pyongyang TV tower with a panoramic restaurant. The famous huge stadium named after Kim Il Sung is also located here. The May Day Stadium is located on the river island of Rungnado. Koreans consider it the largest stadium in the world.

In the city center, on Mansu Hill, you can see the monumental sculptural ensemble of Kim Il Sung and the Museum of the Korean Revolution. The huge statue has become a traditional place of pilgrimage for locals. The decoration of the museum building is a huge mosaic panel of Mount Paektu. This mountain became famous during the war with Japan.

The Liberation Monument stands on Moranbong Hill. It is dedicated to the Soviet wars. There is also an ancient arbor Ylmilde. Another famous attraction is the Chollima Monument, or Chellima, a huge statue of a winged horse. It symbolizes progress and prosperity.

Army parades, demonstrations and various events take place in the Kim Il Sung Square. Here stands the People's Palace of Education. The height of its tower is 55 meters. Be sure to show tourists also the home of Kim Il Sung. It is located in Mangyongdae, not far from the capital. Here you can also visit the amusement park and Mangyongdae Revolutionary School. The Kumsusan Memorial Palace is considered a very important attraction. It used to serve as the Palace of Congresses, now it houses the mausoleum of Kim Il Sung. A monument to the unification of Korea was erected over Thonyir Avenue at the southern entrance to Pyongyang.

Of great interest to tourists are the ruins of the Anhakkun Royal Palace and two cascades of fountains on the Taedong River. These fountains are considered to be the tallest fountains in the world.

Pyongyang has many parks and recreation areas. Particularly popular are the Mangyongdae and Daesongsan amusement parks, the Kaesong Youth Park, the Central Zoo, and the Central Botanical Garden. Nearby is the Memorial Cemetery of the Revolutionaries. Here you can also see the square with color-musical fountains.

There are many interesting historical sites near the city: the tomb of King Tangan, the Anak Tomb. There are also hot springs and waterfalls.

40 km south of Pyongyang is the city of Nampho. It is the main international port and trade center of the DPRK. The main attraction of the city can be called the West Sea Hydro Complex. This structure is a complex 8-kilometer system of dams, dikes and locks at the mouth of the Taedong River.

Not far from Nampo, tourists can see ancient murals from the era of the Goguryeo Empire, three tombs in Gangso, and tombs in the villages of Deokheung and Susan.

A rock mass is located 75 km southwest of the capital. Kuwolsan.This place is distinguished by its beauty . Here is the Samson resort. Tourists will be interested in the medieval temple of Voljongsa and ancient fortresses. In this place, you can see hot springs and small waterfalls, as well as shrines and palaces from the period of the Silla Kingdom and the Joseon Dynasty.

The main attractions of the city are: Goryeo Museum, Seonjuk Bridge, Great South Gate, Yongbok Temple, Hyeonhwa Temple, Kwanyum Temple, Songin Monument, and Pyochung Monument. Of interest is also a memorial stele with a facsimile signature of Kim Il Sung.

Around the city, you can see the tomb of the first king of Goryeo - Wang Gong, the tomb of King Kongmin and the mausoleum of Queen Kongmin. Not far from Kaesong is the famous town Panmunjom. In this city, during the war, an armistice agreement was signed in the Korean War. There is also the famous "38th parallel" - the nominal border between North and South Korea. To visit Panmunjom, you need a separate permit.

mountain range Myohyang located 150 km north of the capital. These places are famous for their picturesque nature. In addition, there are historical sites in the area. The main one can be called the current Buddhist temple of Pohyeonsa. This temple has various religious objects and collections of ancient Korean books. The museum of gifts to Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il is quite interesting. In this area, you can see a large cave in Ryongmun and a very beautiful Manpok Gorge. The Valley of Nine Falls is also famous. Lovers of outdoor activities and mountaineering come to this place.

Mountains Paektu are one of the most picturesque places in North Korea. In these mountains are the highest peaks of the country: Baeksabong (2103 m), Seobeksan (2172 m), Paektusan (Baitoushan, 2750 m).

Dormant volcano paektusan located on the border with China. It is the highest peak of the Korean Peninsula. In addition, the local nature attracts tourists with its beauties. This mountain has a white color due to the hardened light pumice. In 1989, Paektusan received the status of an International Biosphere Reserve. Here you can see the giant crater lake Cheongji, or Tianchi ("Heavenly Lake"). The lake is located at an altitude of 2194 meters above sea level. The water in the lake is always very cold. This place is sacred for the people of North Korea. It is believed that it was in this place that the son of the God of heaven appeared on Earth. In addition, it is believed that the revolutionary movement of the Korean people was born here. Historians claim that Kim Jong Il was born here on February 16, 1942. At the foot of Paektu Mountain is the Three Lakes Region. samji. Here you can visit a whole historical complex dedicated to the revolutionary activities of Kim Il Sung.

The Kymgang (Kymgangsan) mountain range is located in the southeast of the country. This place is considered one of the most beautiful in North Korea. This region has an unusual relief with a large number of tiny lakes and waterfalls. There are forests here. Mineral springs, valleys with Buddhist shrines.

Until 1945, Korea was a colony of Japan. When the Second World War ended, the territory of the country north of the 38th parallel was occupied by the USSR, and the southern part was occupied by America. The USSR and the USA could not resolve the issue of the unification of Korea. For this reason, in 1948, two separate governments appeared here - the Soviet and the American.
The Republic of Korea was formed in the south of the Korean Peninsula. After that, on September 9, 1948, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) appeared in the north. Political power in the country was monopolized by the WPK. A planned economy was established in the economy of the DPRK. Since 1949, the state has taken control of almost the entire industry of the country, as well as its domestic and foreign trade.
In 1950, North Korea launched an armed attack on South Korea. After that, a war broke out between the two states, in which other countries took part.
The war dealt a heavy blow to the North Korean economy. Industrialization helped restore it. The standard of living in North Korea grew even faster than in South Korea.
In 1960 there was a break in relations between the USSR and China. This negatively affected the economy of the DPRK.
In the 1970s, the pace of economic development here slowed down significantly. This was also influenced by the high cost of oil after the 1974 oil crisis. The country began to spend too much money on the army and the development of heavy industry. In 1980, the North Korean economy went into default. The volume of industrial production began to increase only in the early 1990s.
Kim Il Sung died in 1994. His son Kim Jong Il came to power in the country. The economic situation in the DPRK continued to be quite difficult.
In the period from 96 to 99, the country experienced a severe famine, from which a large number of people died. The country continued to spend a lot of money on military needs.
In July 2002, reforms began in the country. There was a devaluation of the state currency. To support the country's agricultural market, it was decided to release prices for agricultural products. In the villages of the DPRK, collective farming was replaced by family farming. All this led to an increase in foreign investment in the country's economy.
In 2007, the President of South Korea paid a visit to North Korea. After that, both Koreas turned to the UN with a request to promote the unification of countries.

International trade

The DPRK maintains trade relations with more than 100 countries of the world.
The main export items to the DPRK are ferrous and non-ferrous metals, anthracite and seafood.
North Korea imports mainly oil and oil products, coking coal, chemical fertilizers, and food.
The country's main foreign trade partners are South Korea, China, Japan, EU countries and Russia.
North Korea has a fairly large external debt.

The shops

Prices in the country are quite high, foreign tourists can only pay in foreign currency. In the currency shops of the DPRK, the cost of goods is also not low. The choice of goods is small. Prices in all stores in the country are fixed, they are the same throughout the DPRK. Tourists can bargain only in street markets, but you won’t be able to get a big discount. Usually the cost is reduced by no more than 10%. Bargaining must be done very politely.

It is very popular with tourists hand embroidery. Such things are expensive. Embroidery of a large canvas, even for an experienced master, takes about a year. You can buy paintings in souvenir shops. These paintings are almost indistinguishable from Chinese landscapes, but are worth much more.

Very often tourists buy the famous ginseng and products from it. Traditional porcelain from Kaesong is popular. Herbal and mushroom teas, bear bile, stamps, commemorative coins with images of leaders are on sale. You can buy printed products, products with wood and stone carvings.

Sunday is a public holiday in North Korea.

Demography

The ethnic composition of the population is quite homogeneous.

The life expectancy of the country's population as a whole is
71.65 years old. Life expectancy for men is 68.92 years, for women - 74.51 years.

The birth rate is 2.1 newborns per woman.

Industry

In North Korea, the share of industrial production in the country's GDP is about 50%. This industry employs up to 40% of the country's population. In recent years, production has declined slightly in all major industries.

The country is developing such industries as: oil refining, chemical, textile and food.

Mechanical engineering accounts for about 30% of the value of all industrial output. The DPRK produces locally assembled Fiat cars, and also produces jeeps.

Flora and fauna

The mountainous regions of the DPRK are covered with coniferous forests and mixed forests. The main species here are pine, spruce, Korean fir, maple, poplar, elm and aspen. Rice, soybeans, barley, corn and legumes are grown in the valleys.

A large number of medicinal plants grow in the DPRK. The most famous of them is ginseng, which is sold for export to many countries of the world.

The country is inhabited by such large predators as: tiger, leopard, bear (Ussuri and white-breasted), lynx and wolf. Of the birds are common: eagle, snipe, crane, heron, pheasant, black grouse and hazel grouse.

Foxes, wild boars, gorals, roe deer, spotted deer, red deer, columns, otters, squirrels are found in the forests.

In the coastal regions of the DPRK, there are many different types of birds. Here live: passerines, herons, cranes, storks, geese, ducks, waders, gulls, cormorants, auks, guillemots and guillemots.

The coastal and inland waters of the country are rich in a variety of fish and other seafood.

Banks and money

There are no direct flights from Russia to North Korea. Transport links between North Korea and other countries are quite rare. The national airline "Air Koryo" flies twice a week from Pyongyang to Beijing, China. In the same direction, one flight is operated by the Chinese company "Air China".
You can also get to North Korea from Russia by rail. A trailer car runs from Moscow to Pyongyang every week. The train goes through the territory of China, the travel time is six and a half days. For such a trip, you need to apply for a transit visa. The same train includes cars from Novosibirsk and Krasnoyarsk.

Minerals

The country is quite rich in minerals. Natural resources such as coal, lead, tungsten, zinc and graphite are mined here. Magnesium, iron, copper, gold, pyrite, salt, fluorspar, etc. are also mined.

Agriculture

North Korea's agriculture accounts for about 20% of the country's income. The country is dominated by mountainous terrain, which leads to a shortage of land resources. The total area of ​​agricultural land is about 20% of the total territory of the country. Arable land occupies only 16%.
On average, there are 0.12 hectares of cultivated land per inhabitant of the DPRK. This is several times less than in almost all European countries.
Crop production is the basis of the country's agriculture. Here are grown: soybeans, cotton, flax, tobacco and sugar beets. There are also ginseng plantations in the country. The cultivation of vegetables and fruits is quite well developed.
The basis of animal husbandry in the DPRK is the breeding of cattle, pigs, and poultry. Sericulture is also developed here. Fish and other seafood are actively fished.

The country's authorities quite intensively develop and support traditional arts and culture. Quite often they can even be intertwined with the official ideology.

The country does not officially celebrate the usual Christmas and New Year. All traditional holidays of the DPRK are celebrated according to the lunar calendar. The main ones are: the First Full Moon Festival and the Chuseok Festival. The latter is dedicated to the harvest and commemoration of the departed ancestors. On this day, it is customary to visit the graves of ancestors, performing a ritual of sacrifice there.

The main official holidays of the country are: the First of May and Independence Day. These days, parades and festive performances are held throughout the country.

Children are also very important members of society. It is customary to get married in the country quite late. Children are always trying to dress as best and brighter as possible. The state organizes many activities for children. Punishing children is not accepted, they are given great independence.

Citizens of the DPRK greet each other with a slight bow. Handshakes are also common, moreover, with both hands. It is not customary to look directly into the eyes of the interlocutor. It is not customary to apologize in the country. It is not often that one hears words of gratitude here. Gifts are usually just left at the entrance to the house. Don't thank the staff.

Residents of the DPRK are very hardworking. They are accustomed to work even in the most difficult working conditions. They also differ in their love for cleanliness and order. Every morning, volunteers clean up the city streets.

Traditionally, Koreans sit, eat and sleep on the floor. When entering a house, you must always take off your shoes. You can not stand on the threshold, so as not to let in evil spirits. You should not be with bare feet in the presence of elders.

Traditionally, Koreans eat a lot of rice, noodles, and seafood. They drink a little, they always serve local vodka or fruit tinctures to the table. Beer is very popular. You can't be drunk in public places.

Korean restaurants usually immediately offer a semblance of a set lunch. There is usually no menu in restaurants; a special sign hangs on the wall. There are problems with the transliteration of Korean names and proper names into Russian and English.

Traditional Korean music is vaguely reminiscent of Chinese and Japanese. The main instruments here are strings, drums and percussion. Household choral singing is very popular. The fine arts are also quite well developed here. It includes a special school of landscape painting and traditional calligraphy.

It is customary to dress very modestly in the country. Most often, local residents can see paramilitary clothing. Sometimes traditional national clothes are worn. On the feet, they usually wear cloth slippers with rubber soles. The European suit is used in exceptionally solemn occasions. To visit the mausoleum of Kim Il Sung and memorial cemeteries, you need to dress brightly. It is considered indecent for women to wear trousers in public places.

Both men and women usually cut their hair short. Older people wear long hair, which is collected in a braid and laid at the back of the head.

North Korea has a very low crime rate. Local law enforcement is present everywhere. The attitude towards foreigners in the country is somewhat wary. Tourists are usually accompanied by a special guide. He makes sure that the tourist does not violate the laws and ensures the safety of the tourist himself.

There are some restrictions on movement within the country. Tourists should not enter the city without a guide. The guide is engaged in compiling the route, menu, meeting times. It is not recommended to have long conversations with local residents. It is forbidden to photograph military personnel and any objects, even remotely related to defense (airports, bridges, aqueducts, bases, ports, etc.). Photographing ordinary people is possible only with their permission.

healthcare

It is best for all tourists to take out international health insurance. No special vaccinations are required to travel to North Korea. However, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, hepatitis B and E, tuberculosis, Japanese encephalitis, rabies and tropical fever should be strongly feared.

Tourists are advised to bring personal hygiene items and an individual first aid kit with them. This first aid kit must contain all the drugs necessary for first aid. You should also take with you remedies for colds and indigestion.

Almost all major hotels in the DPRK have their own first-aid post with the necessary supply of medications. In the event of serious illnesses, the patient will be referred to the clinics of the capital: the Korean Red Cross Hospital, the Pyongyang Emergency Hospital, the Pyongyang Hospital for Foreigners and the Kim Mann Yu Hospital. There may be problems with evacuation from the DPRK by air.

All tap water in North Korea is chlorinated. However, it should not be consumed raw. For drinking, brushing your teeth, or making ice, it's best to use only boiled or bottled water.

Milk and dairy products are most often not pasteurized. Before use, they are recommended to be subjected to heat treatment. The same applies to meat, fish and seafood. Vegetables and fruits can be consumed only after pre-treatment. Fruits are best peeled.

The level of solar radiation in the country is quite high. Hikers should wear glass-filtered sunglasses, hats, and light protective clothing.

You should not swim during tidal currents and surf.

North Korea is far from being associated with a prosperous power by many. However, there is one area in which it is actually rich, and that is mineral resources.

North Korea responded to the United States on statements that the era of strategic patience is over, this concerns the solution of the problem between countries by force. Should we expect another military confrontation on the Korean Peninsula?

More and more often, North Korea is conducting missile tests, which causes concern among its neighbors. Moreover, the country even has long-range nuclear missiles, thanks to which they can even fly to cities in the United States. However, an attack on the United States or its allies is considered suicide. Against this backdrop, Pyongyang aims to win over the international community by promising to dismantle some of its weapons.

Whatever amount the country provides to North Korea, it will be absolutely nothing in relation to the country's underground wealth.

Mineral resources of North Korea

The state is rich in mineral deposits, including gold, iron ore, limestone, copper, zinc, graphite and molybdenum. In total, there are approximately 200 varieties of minerals. North Korea is rich in rare earth metals, which are used in the manufacture of smartphones and other high-tech products.

For many years, North Korea's minerals have been valued differently. One of the reasons is the lack of access to them and the high level of secrecy. One South Korean corporation put forward a figure of over $6 trillion, and a research institute in the same country gave an estimate of $10 trillion.

After 1970, North Korea considers the mining sector a priority. Until 1990, the country increased production, its peak was in 1985, but then there was a downward trend. Five years ago, there were 700 mines in North Korea. Most of them were in disrepair or did not function well. The state is severely lacking in experience and equipment, and lacks basic infrastructure. This creates difficulties in extracting the existing underground resources.

Recall that the DPRK is a communist country in which private mining is prohibited. Kim Jong Un is the head of state, like his father and grandfather. He deported all foreign mining companies from the country or changed the procedure for cooperation with them. But even in such conditions, the extraction of mineral resources reaches 14% of the economy.

Mainly, the wealth extracted from the soil is exported to China. In the fall of 2016, the state-run Korea Development Institute reported that even under UN sanctions, trade with China in natural resources accounts for 54% of the total trade activity between the countries. A year earlier, Pyongyang shipped $73 million worth of iron ore and $680,000 worth of zinc to China from January to March alone.

The bowels of the Republic of Korea are rich in various minerals. These include deposits of coal, ores (uranium, manganese, iron, gold-silver, copper and others), as well as reserves of non-metallic mineral resources. But the explored and actively exploited deposits of most of South Korea's minerals are small.

Fossil fuel extraction

The fossil fuels of the Republic of Korea include coal. Most of the coal mined is anthracite. The main anthracite deposits are located in the central part of the country, near the Taedong River, as well as in the East Korean mountains.

• In the western region of Gyeongsangbuk-do there is a field "Mungen",
• Jeolla-namdo - "Hwasun"
• Chungcheongnam-do - "Gimpo"
• Gyeonggido - "Chunnam"
• Gyeongsangbukto - Waegwan.

On the territory of the state in the southeastern region there are deposits of brown coal "Ulsan", "Yonil", as well as the basin "Kilju-Myeongchon" on the northeast coast. The main developments are carried out by the state company "Dai Han Coal Corp.", as well as minor private firms ("Tangseoung", "Dogyl" and others). Half of the coal is enriched at three state factories, the rest is briquetted.

Ore minerals of Korea

Iron ore. There are iron ore deposits on the territory of the republic. Over 90% of all reserves have been explored in the north of the Korean Peninsula. The largest mine is Yangyang in Gangwon Province, which is owned by Sammi Mining and Development Co., Daihan Iron Mining Co. There are also deposits "Mulgym" and "Ulsan" (Gyeongsan-namdo).

Uranus. Uranium ores are located in the Yangpyeong-Kapyeong Basin in the Gyeongsan Basin. Since 1978, a factory has been operating on the territory, which is engaged in the production of enriched uranium.

Manganese. Small reserves of manganese are located in Gyeongju, Yonghwa, Jeongseon.

Tungsten. There are 100 small enterprises on the peninsula that specialize in the extraction of tungsten. The main share is concentrated in one of the largest basins "Sandong" (Gangwon-do). The state-owned enterprise "Korea Tungsten Mining Co" is responsible for production.
Copper. All copper deposits are insignificant, mostly complex. These include the copper-gold source "Kunbuk" (Gyeongsan-namdo), the lead-zinc source - "Siheung" (Gyeonggido). Large nickel-copper deposits are located in the northeast of the country and near the city of Jeonju. There is also a copper-tungsten mine "Talson" (Gyeongsangbukto).

Molybdenum. There are small molybdenum reserves in Jeolla-nam-do ("Oksan"), Chungcheong-buk-do ("Suni"), Jeolla-buk-do ("Changsu"), Gangwon-do ("Checheon"), Gyeongsangnam-do ("Gochang"). And the main enterprise for the production of molybdenum concentrate is Korea Tangsten Mining Co.

Precious metals. Of great importance are gold and silver deposits in the northwest and south. There are about 300 of them. Most of it is mined by Korea Mining and Smelting Co. Gold is found almost everywhere. The largest center is located near the Amnokkan Highlands. On the territory of the state there are also deposits:

1. Nickel (Honsong, Kopyun).
2. Lead and zinc (Gyeonggi-do, Gyeongsangbuk-do)
3. Bismuth (Pyongyong, Jeonju).
4. Antimony (Mengdong, Cheonan).
5. Tin (Samchun).
6. Cobalt (Miryan, Kensan).

Lead and zinc are mined and enriched by Young Poong Mining Co. The leading producer of bismuth concentrate is Korea Tungsten Mining Co.

Non-metallic natural resources

Non-metallic (non-metallic) minerals of Korea are represented by graphite. It is explored in the North Korean mountains, in the province of North Chungcheong. It is mined by "Shi Heung Graphite Mining So".

The peninsula also has large deposits of fluorite, talc, asbestos, kaolin, and alunite. The country is rich in limestone, brick clay, gravel, agalmatolite, diatomite, quartzite, quartz sand.

The region has a large pool of kaolin - this is "Hadong" (Gyeongsangnam-do), asbestos - "Gwangcheon" (Chuncheon-namdo district). Quartzite is mined in Changcheongdong, Chungju.

Mineral resources of South Korea have been explored in such a volume that is not enough to meet the demand of the country's industrial industry. This applies to fuel, ore and non-metallic raw materials. However, despite this, the state was able to achieve a high level of socio-economic development. The undeveloped reserves of South Korea can provide the country with jobs and additional income for a long time to come.

• 06.12.2013 SRE Minerals announces largest rare earth discovery in North Korea
  According to forecasts, Jongju will become the largest deposit of rare earth elements in the world. Mineral reserves at the project are estimated at trillions of dollars
  
  

General information

The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK, North Korea) is located in East Asia, in the northern part of the Korean Peninsula. It has a land border with three states: China along the Yalu River, Russia along the Tuman River and South Korea. In the west it is washed by the Yellow Sea and the Gulf of Korea, and in the east by the Sea of ​​Japan.

Total area: 120,540 km2, land: 120,410 km2, water: 130 km2. Land border: 1,673 km in total. The length of the border with: China - 1,416 km, South Korea 238 km, Russia 19 km. Coastline length: 2,495 km.

The government of the DPRK declared the water area adjacent to the coast within a 12-mile zone (22.224 km) as the territorial waters of the country. In addition, foreign vessels and aircraft cannot enter the zone lying at a distance of up to 92.6 km from the coast in the Sea of ​​Japan and 370.4 km in the Yellow Sea without permission.

The waters in the Yellow Sea between the DPRK and South Korea are divided by the disputed Northern Border Line, unilaterally created by the American military command in the early 50s of the 20th century and not officially recognized by the government of the DPRK

North Korea is rich in minerals. The explored coal reserves in North Korea are estimated at 6.6 billion tons. The reserves are represented by anthracite (the Pyongyang basin, the middle course of the Taedongan river, the East Korean mountains) and brown coal (the Tumangan and Anju basins).

Large deposits of iron ore Musan and Yllul are located in the northeast and west of the DPRK. Iron ore deposits are usually shallow and are mined in an open pit. The iron content in the ore is estimated at 40-65%. From the ore deposits stand out polymetallic with a high content of lead and zinc (Komdok, Kandong), copper ore (Kapsan), manganese ores (Kimhwa), chromium ores (Pureon), nickel ores (Najin - North Korea), cobalt ores (Tancheon), tungsten ores (Mannyon), molybdenum ores (Kosan, Kymgan). Gold deposits are also being developed from metallic minerals (Unsan, Suan - DPRK). North Korea has the world's largest graphite deposits (Obok - North Korea), significant deposits of magnesite (Tanchon, etc.).

Barium deposits are being developed. Monazite and thorium were found, which are used in nuclear energy and the military industry.