Russia's first Earth cryology and geotechnical safety laboratory begins operations in the Yamal-Nenets Autonomous Area (YNAA), according to the press service of the region's Governor.

'Four scientists from Tyumen and Novosibirsk have arrived in Yamal. They will study permafrost at the country's first Earth Cryology and Geotechnical Safety Laboratory. It opened in the district at the Arctic Research Centre on the initiative of Yamal Governor Dmitry Artyukhov. The laboratory's activities will contribute to improving industrial and environmental safety, reducing economic losses and damage to the district's capital facilities fund', the press service said in a statement quoted by RIA-Novosti.

The authorities specify that this is the first such laboratory in the country.

In August, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated the importance of the topic. He ordered a system of regular inspections of buildings and structures in the country's northern regions, where permafrost is thawing, to be developed.

The laboratory now employs seven specialists. The unit is headed by Professor Anatoly Shuvaev, Doctor of Technical Sciences. He has co-authored more than 30 federal and regional regulations for the construction, design and maintenance of transport facilities in Siberian conditions and has worked in the region for over 40 years. Specialists will soon take soil samples at several capital construction projects in Salekhard and Novy Urengoy, the Salekhard-Nadym highway, and sections of the Purovsk-Korotchaevo highway, the press service reports.