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The development of mineral resources is currently controversial due to the significant influence of global climatic and environmental trends. This is particularly relevant to the Arctic due to the fragility of its ecosystems and the major impact of its climate on the global climate. At the same time, the Arctic region is strategically important for Russia due to the presence of many minerals and the Northern Sea Route, which ensures national goals and interests. Balancing sustainable development and national interests necessitates a special approach to mineral resource development in the Arctic. Ensuring the sustainable development of the mineral resource base is a complex process that involves companies, the state, and regions. The article analyzes existing approaches to assessing the contribution of companies to the sustainable development of the Arctic region and underscores the role of the ESG concept. As a result of the research, a model of interaction among key actors has been developed to ensure the sustainable development of the mineral resource base in the Russian Arctic, highlighting the key areas of responsibility for each actor. Based on this model, an approach to the sustainable development of the mineral resource base in the Arctic has been formulated, combining both the ESG concept and the active collaboration of the three actors in promoting rational resource use, including the replenishment of mineral reserves. A checklist for assessing the contribution of mining companies to the sustainable development of the mineral resource base is proposed, encompassing ESG rankings and components such as contributions to mineral exploration, field development, rational resource use, and national security. The developed approach has been tested on key mining companies in the Arctic region.

Nowadays, the social and economic development of both individual countries and the world as a whole is facing a large number of external challenges. One of the key issues today is the achievement of sustainable development while managing the growth in resource consumption. Balancing energy supply with the pressing climate agenda has garnered global attention, particularly within the fuel and energy sector, which is the central pillar of energy supply and will remain so in the near future. In this regard, it is vital to determine its role in ensuring sustainable development and design mechanisms for transformation and adaptation to modern challenges. This issue is particularly acute for both functioning businesses and strategic oil and gas projects to be implemented in the Arctic. The purpose of this article is to study existing methods and potential decarbonization scenarios to determine their applicability within the industry in the context of ensuring the sustainable development of Russia’s Arctic. The article analyzes various scientific and technological approaches to decarbonization in light of the adoption of the Paris Agreement in 2015, which aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The study investigates the causes of greenhouse gas emissions at each stage of oil and gas operations and proposes a mechanism for choosing decarbonization options. It critically examines global experiences and potential scenarios for reducing greenhouse gas emissions by oil and gas companies in the framework of sustainable development, identifying key trends and problems in this area. The study also presents possible decarbonization scenarios for the Arctic region, including carbon capture and storage (CCS) scenarios, renewable energy scenarios (utilizing renewable energy sources), and technological scenarios (upgrading existing technologies). The findings of this study can inform the development of strategies aimed at achieving carbon neutrality at various levels.