Sustainable development of mining companies is determined by the multipurpose use of mineral resources. Multipurpose use of natural resources allows to increase production efficiency, develop minerals in the most rational way and ensure full utilization of labor resources. At the same time, the problem of utilization of mining waste is solved, which helps to preserve the environment. The solution of these problems for mining companies is possible only in conditions of their full technological, entrepreneurial and economic independence.

The proposed conceptual approach to the development of mineral resources of the North and North-East of Russia is a strategy of integrated subsoil development, based on natural and socio-eсonomic conditions, taking into account technical, technological and environmental factors of development. The main directions of research are formulated.

Significant spread in both coal and ore industry are shield and flexible slabs, for the choice of rational and reliable designs of which it is necessary to know the loads acting on them.

The Kaula copper‑nickel deposit was developed in the upper part by open pit and in the lower part by underground mining with priority extraction of chamber reserves. Recently, a transition has been made to the second stage of development – extraction of the remaining ore pillars. The deposit is represented by a stratiform body with variable thickness and dip angle; the depth of occurrence is up to 400 m (vertically). The strength of the ore is characterized by a coefficient of 8‑12, and of the host rocks – 8‑14 according to M. M. Protodyakonov.

In 1966 at the Kaula‑Kotselvaara mine of the Pechenganikel Combine, experimental work was carried out on the development of an inter‑chamber pillar located between the walls of cement‑reinforced backfill. Pilot works were carried out in a 6‑8 m thick section of the ore body with a dip angle of 26‑30°. The host rocks – phyllites – are partially broken by transverse fractures. In general, the ore and rock are stable. The strength coefficient of the ore is 8‑12, of the rock – 10‑12. Bulk density of the ore is 3.2 t/m³, of the backfill material – 2.8 t/m³.