Reborn Resource Tycoon

Chapter 307 A Rare Opportunity

Chapter 3 and Seven A Rare Opportunity

If the disintegration of the former Soviet Union was the biggest loss for the citizens of the former Soviet Union, apart from the social wealth accumulated over the decades being divided up by foreigners and domestic elites, it was the loss of a large number of scientific researchers.In Fang Mingyuan's previous life, according to media reports, after the disintegration of the Soviet Union, because the government greatly reduced the budget for scientific research institutions, a large number of scientific research institutions were in a half-working state, and a considerable number of scientific research institutions were forced to close down and change careers.The serious shortage of scientific research funds has led to the lack of funds for scientific research institutions to purchase new technical equipment, outdated experimental equipment, and a shortage of experimental materials.Coupled with the soaring prices in the countries of the Commonwealth of Independent States, the wages of scientific researchers have not risen as fast as the rate of soaring prices. As a result, these scientific researchers even have to do some part-time jobs to subsidize their families.Moreover, the wages of other industries in the society are mostly higher than those of the scientific research industry. Under such working conditions, those talented researchers cannot complete their scientific projects at all.

At the same time, in order to attract talents, Western countries provided very favorable scientific research and living conditions to former Soviet researchers in various ways, and openly competed for high-tech talents in the fields of nuclear weapons, computers, and biotechnology in the former Soviet Union.The result was the exodus of a large number of scientific researchers from the former Soviet Union.

It is said that in the first few years after the disintegration of the Soviet Union, the United States took advantage of its excellent scientific research conditions and high wages to introduce more than [-] scientific and technological personnel from the Soviet Union.In [-], the second year after the disintegration of the Soviet Union, the United States and the European Community spent hundreds of millions of dollars to poach technicians for weapons of mass destruction including nuclear weapons, biology, chemicals, and missiles.Later, according to estimates by relevant Russian departments, nearly one-third of the former Soviet aerospace experts belonging to Russia have flowed to the United States and the European Community.

Of course, according to gossip that has not been acknowledged by the authoritative department, Huaxia has also obtained many experts in weapons and military industry in this feast of plundering talents, including nuclear physics experts, fighter engine aerodynamicists, etc. As a result, China's military strength has advanced by leaps and bounds since 2000, and it has rapidly developed high-tech weapons and equipment such as beyond-visual-range missiles and advanced fighter engines.Regarding this point, Fang Mingyuan felt that it should not be groundless.After all, China and Russia are neighboring countries, and it is a normal result to attract a group of outflowing experts and scholars.It would be foolish to say that nothing has been gained from this brain drain that has lasted for more than ten years.

When Fang Mingyuan came to the Soviet Union this time, he was actually thinking about whether he could do a field survey before the rainy day, so as to prepare for attracting these scientific researchers from the Soviet Union after the Soviet Union disintegrated in the future.Of course, Fang Mingyuan's goal is naturally not in the field of weapons and military industry, but in the fields of machinery manufacturing, computer and biotechnology, and material science.After all, the Soviet Union is a superpower with a very strong scientific research background. The reason why it gives people the illusion that the speed of scientific and technological development is not as fast as that of the United States is to a large extent, it has the same problem as China - that is because scientific research technology is transformed into in the area of ​​productivity.A large number of scientific research results have been shelved and become piles of useless waste paper.

Fang Mingyuan understands that if a company wants to have long-term competitiveness, it must spare no effort in the development of scientific research technology. It is often said that the loss of one or two key talents in a certain scientific research field is enough to lead to the development of the scientific research field. slowing or stopping of direction.On the other hand, getting a few real key experts can make the investment in scientific research more effective

Although the city of Yakutsk is small, there are nearly 10 scientific research institutes in history, language, science, physics and technology.The Yakutia Branch of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences and more than ten research institutes under it are also located in the city, and the University of Yakutsk also occupies a very prominent position in the institutions of higher learning in the Far East.Especially in some research involving the field of low temperature, the scientific research level here is also quite high.

The sky was gloomy and covered with dark clouds, and sporadic snowflakes fell from the sky and scattered on the ground from time to time.Although it was said to be noon, the temperature had already dropped to about zero degrees. Fortunately, there was no cold wind. Everyone dressed warmly, but there was no inconvenience.For Fang Mingyuan's arrival, the leaders of the Yakutia Republic did not hold any welcoming ceremony. Of course, this is largely because Michaloy, who is in charge of this area, has accompanied them all the way and will continue to do so. accompany down.

Fang Mingyuan looked at the sky. Although the snow wasn't heavy and the temperature wasn't too low, this place was near the Arctic Circle. Maybe it won't be long before there will be a heavy snowfall.After all, it was a bit late for me to come to the Soviet Union.However, there is no way to do this. Without the wealth obtained from oil futures, even if I know the next changes in the Soviet Union's political situation, what can I do?

"Mr. Fang, Ms. Aso, don't worry about the return journey. Although our place is small, we also have an airport. At that time, you can fly directly to Moscow or any city in the middle." Miha Royle saw Fang Mingyuan and the others looking at the sky With a worried look on his face, he comforted everyone.

"Everyone has worked hard all the way. Let me arrange a few of you to stay and have a good rest in the afternoon. How about I come to visit Yakutsk with you two tomorrow?" I missed my family a little bit, so I asked tentatively.Although it is said that the reception of guests in the Soviet Union does not have the habit of being comprehensive and accompanied throughout the whole process like Huaxia, but Michaloy dare not underestimate these two.If the rich man who was able to invest 30 billion rubles in the Amur region in one go failed to show anything in the Republic of Yakutia because of his poor hospitality, it would inevitably become an excuse for others to accuse him of ineffective work in the future.

"Minister Michaloy, because of our insistence, you had to take a car to accompany us all the way, which delayed your work. I am already very sorry. The minister does not need to accompany you in the afternoon. Let's walk around the city casually. Alright. Tomorrow, we hope to visit Alrosa in advance, and I wonder if Minister Michal Royle can arrange it."

"Alrosa Company?" Michalloy hesitated for a moment, then nodded in response.

The hotel arranged by Michaloy for his group is located in the city center. As he said, the houses here, both the doors and windows are thick to prevent the intrusion of cold air. After entering the hotel, the room temperature is still It's quite warm, just wear unlined clothing.After eating, everyone returned to their rooms.

Fang Mingyuan took a shower first, and sat in front of the window, watching the snowflakes getting bigger and bigger, fluttering and falling on the ground, and the ground had turned white.The Republic of Yakutia has entered a long winter, and this weather will continue until May and June next year.Such a bitterly cold place is naturally a hell-like place for Chinese people, but who knows that under this permafrost layer, there are countless mineral deposits that are needed in the industrial age.

Fang Mingyuan remembered very clearly that the Republic of Yakutia not only had rich diamond deposits, but also a large amount of iron ore.In the previous life, in the first ten years of the next century, Huaxia Enterprises went north to participate in the development of iron ore in Yakutia because they could not bear the exploitation of several monopoly iron ore production enterprises.The four major iron mines, Tayozhnoye, Tesovsk, Tarenasji, and Gorgitsky Mine, have a total reserve of more than 2000 billion tons, and have the conditions for open-pit mining, and can transport at least Nearly [-] million tons of iron ore.I just don't know whether Russia has discovered these four iron mines today.

However, because these four iron mines are located in Siberia, the transportation is inconvenient, and the mining cost is relatively high. At the current price of iron ore in the world, even if they are developed, there is no profit at all.So Fang Mingyuan could only keep them in his heart for the time being.

Fang Mingyuan still remembered that there is still a diamond mine in the Republic of Yakutia that should not be developed by the Soviets. It was mined by ALROSA after [-], although he did not go there personally. But the approximate location can still be remembered.Fang Mingyuan was thinking about how to buy the mining rights of that piece of land from the Russians.Whether it is diamonds for industrial use or gem-grade diamonds that can be polished into diamonds, they will only become more and more rare in the future, and the price will naturally rise all the way. Being able to control a diamond mine will benefit Fang Mingyuan's future development greatly. One can imagine.

However, in the situation where ALROSA has monopolized Russia's diamond production, there are too many links to be cleared up in this matter, and it is very difficult.

Aso Xiangyue and Lin Lian entered the room one after another, but seeing his concentration, neither of them dared to interrupt his thoughts.

"Xiangyue, what's Michalloy's attitude towards your request to buy rough diamonds?" Fang Mingyuan suddenly turned his head and asked, but it really startled the two girls.

Aso Xiangyue patted her towering chest, and replied: "Judging from Michaloy's words and expressions, I think he seems very happy and happy for our acquisition. I once tried to say that I would ask Alro Sa company shares, but he refused. Although the words are tactful, the meaning is a bit non-negotiable."

This was within Fang Mingyuan's expectations. ALROSA monopolized nearly 90.00% of the diamond production in the Soviet Union and later in Russia. Naturally, such a monopoly enterprise, whether it is the Soviet Union or Russia, will not allow foreign capital to easily acquire it. of.Fang Mingyuan couldn't help thinking of Huaxia's oil companies, which were also in a monopoly position, but were listed abroad at a low price, and gave their huge profits to foreign investors.

As for why Micha Royle supported Fang Mingyuan and the others in buying rough diamonds, Fang Mingyuan knew it well.Because today's world diamond market can be said to have been monopolized by the world's largest diamond monopoly organization - De Beers United Mining Company.After more than 100 years of operation, this multinational group controlling diamonds has monopolized 70.00% of the global diamond production, and even reached 80.00% at the highest point.Its affiliated sales organization is the main supplier of rough diamonds in the world.

However, ALROSA has insufficient consumption capacity in the domestic market, and also does not have sufficient polishing capacity, and has no sales channels in the European and American markets, so more than three-quarters of its annual output has to be sold to De Beers United at a low price. Mining Company.Therefore, Aso Xiangyue intends to buy these rough diamonds, that is, rough diamonds, which is naturally a dream for ALROSA.

"Ming Yuan, you bought so many rough diamonds, how will you sell them in the future?" Aso Xiangyue asked with some concern.The world diamond market is close to being monopolized by De Beers United Mining Company. Even if Fang Mingyuan bought these rough diamonds, if he could not polish them into the sparkling diamonds that people are used to, their value would be greatly increased. of a discount.That is to say, the polishing of the diamond will directly affect the value of the diamond. The ideal effect is of course to try our best to maintain the maximum weight of the diamond, minimize the flaws, and fully display the beauty of the diamond to make the diamond radiant.This is a difficult technical job.

Most of the world’s diamond polishing centers are located in European and American countries. In these places, De Beers United Mining Company purchases rough diamonds for polishing. It may not be easy for them to polish these unknown rough diamonds.Although it is said that keeping these rough diamonds in their hands, judging from the diamond market prices in recent years, there is no need to worry about depreciation, but it is not a long-term solution after all.

Fang Mingyuan naturally understands Aso Xiangyue's worries—in the past, some small and medium-sized companies tried to sell their own rough diamonds, but they were all met with crazy retaliation from De Beers United Mining Company. De Beers United Mining Company only If its sales organization is required to release a large amount of diamond reserves in a short period of time, the price on the world diamond market will plummet. These small and medium-sized companies simply cannot afford such a price war.After a few times, no company in the world dared to challenge the authority of De Beers Consolidated Mining Company in the diamond industry.

But people also have to admit that the reason why the diamond industry can have its current status in the world is due to De Beers United Mining Company.

We must know that in the long history of civilization in all countries in the world, diamonds are rarely found due to their rarity and difficulty in polishing, so they do not occupy a prominent position.In China, the ancients have always respected jade. In the era of the Book of Songs, there was a tradition of gentleman and jade beating each other. In the Han Dynasty, jade was an exclusive item for emperors and nobles. After the death of emperors, they could wear golden jade clothes. Encoffining, but the common people rarely have jade.In modern times, cat's eye and emerald gemstones have been sought after by people.

The ancient Western European civilization believed that amber was the king of gems. In Rome, which was about the same period as the Han Dynasty, amber became an exclusive offering for emperors. According to experts and scholars who study history, in ancient Rome, a piece of top-quality amber could be exchanged for tens of dollars. A strong slave.

However, the Mesopotamia civilization has always used opals and emeralds as gems. An example is that in the Arab world famous book "One Thousand and One Nights", people can't find any description of diamonds at all.As for the ancient American and African civilizations, judging from the remaining materials, they don't know much about diamonds, although many diamond mines have been discovered in these places.

In short, the frustrating and indisputable fact of the diamond industry is that diamonds, the gemstones of the modern era, have little historical connotation.

It is the De Beers United Mining Company, with its excellent organizational strength and huge financial resources, which unites all independent diamond mines in various countries to form a large organization with extremely strong control over procurement and sales. be adjusted above.It will tighten the supply of diamonds on the world market during the economic depression, so as to maintain the price of diamonds from falling sharply; at the same time, it will relax the supply of diamonds on the world market during the economic boom, so as to meet the market demand and restrain the price of diamonds. excessive rise.As a result, the price of diamonds has maintained a steady growth momentum for many years, making diamonds an investment product worthy of people's trust.Together with gems with a long history such as jade, ruby, cat's eye and emerald, they have become the treasures that the world pursues.

But the monopoly will eventually go to the opposite side. The disgusting and tough style of De Beers United Mining Company, coupled with the discovery of many diamond deposits in countries around the world after World War II, has also given more and more companies the confidence to challenge De Beers. The authoritative position of the Sri Lankan United Mining Company.

After all, Aso Xiangyue didn’t know that as time went by, diamond miners gradually began to compete with De Beers United Mining Company, and ALROSA was one of them. De Beers United Mining Company’s impact on the world diamond market The power of control is weakening year by year. More and more rough diamonds avoid the monopoly of De Beers United Mining Company and enter the world market through other channels. Fang Mingyuan is not worried about future sales at all.

Moreover, as a big diamond consumer in the future, China's luxury consumption boom has not yet started. Fang Mingyuan knows that in China in the future, those newlyweds will pay attention to and enthusiasm for diamond rings. With China's huge marriageable population and Backed by a huge market, no matter how many rough diamonds he buys now, at that time, it will be nothing more than a drop in the bucket for the Huaxia market

And Fang Mingyuan was born in this era. If he can successfully buy this batch of rough diamonds from ALROSA Company, even if they store them for ten or eight years, he will never have to worry about not being sold in the future.Moreover, this was purchased with rubles. After Russia devalued its currency several times in the future, this expenditure can be almost regarded as nothing. How could he be willing to let go of such a rare opportunity?

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