Die Industrialisierung Sibiriens (II)

In: Osteuropa, Band 25, Heft 12, S. 1008-1019

Abstract

A study of industry, energy production, & transportation in Siberia from 1968-1974. The region's natural resources & energy potential are of great importance to the USSR (coal is a major fuel found in the area) & further expansion of production is intended in the future, partially with help from the Japanese. While there are no official published figures on the oil reserves in Tjumen in West Siberia, it is evident that they are substantial, as is the case with natural gas. About 80% of the hydroelectric resources of the USSR are in Siberia. Gold, nickel, & tin are also found in large quantities, although the present exploitation of gold has been somewhat disappointing. Further, the world's largest aluminum factory is located in Bratsk. The manufacture of iron & heavy machinery, however, is lagging. The area's industrial expansion is hampered by a transportation network that is unable to cope with the needs. Completion of the Baikal-Amur railway will help alleviate the problem to some extent. P. Tiersma.