The extraction of oceanic ores will make it possible to extract a complex of strategic metals: manganese, nickel, copper, cobalt, molybdenum, zinc. The following materials are considered as cost-effective mineral raw in the ocean: manganese nodules – MN (Mn, Ni, Cu, Co), cobalt-rich manganese crusts – CMC (Co, Mn, Ni), deep-sea polymetallic sulfides – DPS (Cu, Zn, Au, Ag). As an example, the Indian concept of deepwater development is described, which proposes to use the pipeline as a transport of minerals from the bottom. The calculation of the pipeline transportation system with the indication of shortcomings is given. As an alternative, it is proposed to use a lift of a self-propelled device for minerals on a cable made of special material. The article presents a device for deep-sea mining of MN with pressure drop chambers. The method of application of this device for collecting CMC is replacing the pressure drop chambers with the clamshell type device. The grab must be made of strong and at the same time light material and can be equipped with a hydraulic hammer for preliminary destruction. Elements of the shock system of the hydraulic hammer must also be adapted to the conditions of deep-sea mining by using special metal alloys for manufacturing. The destroyed mass is temporarily stored in a hopper mounted on a collector, which can be made of nylon mesh stretched between plates of titanium alloys. The calculation of the performance of the device for deep-sea mining from is presented.

The main stakeholders in the gas distribution sector (government, shareholders and consumers) have different interests and goals. The state, as a regulatory body, should find the best regulatory methods in order to achieve the maximum effect of public welfare: direct (pricing) and indirect (price influencing). The use of the “costs plus” method makes it possible to set the lowest possible tariffs for the transportation of natural gas, but it leads to the emergence of a “tariff precedent”, a loss of profits for companies, limited investment in the development of the sector. In order to stimulate the increase in the efficiency of gas distribution organizations, the implementation of the fundamental principle of gas distribution sector regulation is proposed. The use of incentive regulation will help find a balance in setting prices for gas networks in order to cover the costs of companies, increase profitability, stimulate the development of networks and innovations, establish the optimal price for consumers.

The effect of high-temperature thermomechanical treatment (HTTT) on abrasive wear resistance of steel 30KHGGSA as the main material to manufacture holder of mining machine cutters is studied. The procedure of HTTT during deformation of cylindrical steel fragments at the preset settling-down rate and subsequent quenching is described. The finite element modeling in DEFORM-3 finds distribution of plastic strain in volume of forged pieces. On the plant based on the upright drilling machine, the abrasive wear resistance of forged pieces is tested on sandstone and siltstone as the medium-hardness and abrasivity co-rocks most frequently met in development heading. It is shown that pre-deformation of the fragments before quenching, i.e. HTTT, imporves the steel hardness from 44 to 55 HRC. It is shown that as against specimens nondeformed before quenching, the abrasive wear resistance of steel subjected to plastic straining up to εΣ ≈ 0.7 increases by 1.9 times in case of both siltstone and sandstone. Considering the obtained results, it is suggested to amend the manufacturing technology of cutters by quenching of fholder forging starting immediately from the forging temperature and by subjecting thereby the holder to high-temperature thermomechanical treatment. The cutting tool cartridge is to be held in the holder by cold pressing. It is assumed that HTTT application can essesntially (two times and more) improve wear resistance of steel holder head and, as a consequence, extend service life of cutters.