Many historians consider Peter the Great to be an outstanding reformer and organizer of Russia. His reforms greatly contributed to the development of mining and the progress of manufacturing industry. Peter's policy in the field of mining and metallurgical industry was aimed at freeing the state from economic dependence on foreigners, strengthening the military power of the Russian state and meeting the needs of the domestic market. Ore mining, production of iron, copper and other metals increased significantly in Russia. Russia took one of the first places in the world in mining and processing of iron stones and smelting of pig iron. Under Peter the Great, training in mining began, and new mining schools were opened in Olonets Province and the Urals.
