Utilization of mine water of Kryvbas as an imperative for sustainable development of Dnipropetrovsk region

Institute of Industrial Economics of the NAS of Ukraine, 2 M. Kapnist Str., Kyiv, 03057, Ukraine

^* Corresponding author: shevtsova_hanna@nas.gov.ua

Abstract

Sustainable development is a wide area of scientific discourse based on the interdisciplinary approach that integrates research in the natural, technical and social sciences. It is a multidimensional concept that reveals complex interactions between society, economy and environment. This work highlights problems of sustainable development of old industrial regions with the dominance of the mining industry. The latter creates a high human burden on the environment and leads to ecological and social problems. One of the most important tasks of ensuring the long-term environmental sustainability of the Dnipropetrovsk region in Ukraine is utilization of highly mineralized mine water of Kryvbas. From the standpoint of sustainable development, mine water should be considered as a hydro-mineral resource of many valuable components including bromine. In this work we justify the creation of bromine production from mine water of Kryvbas. Potential profitability of the production is largely based on innovative technical and technological solutions. We examine the market and many aspects of the pilot project, including its technological, investment and economic specifics. We highlight the relevance of this project and suggest a possibility for its implementation within the regional strategy framework.