Peculiarities of the development and reproduction of the Russian lead and zinc mineral resource base and its forecasting for up to 2040

The state and structure of reproduction of the lead and zinc mineral resource base are shown for the period of 1993-2022, and a forecast of its development for up to 2040 is presented. The mineral reserves movement and redemption were analyzed with account made for the mineral deposit types. The risks and limitations were identified that affected the mineral resource base sustainability. The need is justified to increase the early phase geological exploration at the expense of the federal budget funds to prepare the forecasted resources and to create an “exploration reserve” for lead and zinc.