Interaction of the lithosphere and the biosphere with a view of socioeconomic activity by a human being has the most complete effect in the process of mineral resource utilization. It is typical of mining and metal production complexes (MMC) of the Ural, which are basic for the regional economy. A research methodology related to anthropogenic transformation of environment caused by MMCs, including techniques, principles of construction, forms, means and approaches to the scientific knowledge has been developed.

The paper reviews geoecology as a science of lithosphere and biosphere interaction regarding socioeconomic human activity. Such interaction is more likely to take place when using mineral raw resources. This is characteristic of Urals Mining Complexes being a basis of region's economy. The place of geoecology in ecological science is specified. The geoecology structure with its main science subdivisions is developed. Fundamental principles of geoecology as a scientific discipline are defined. The research methodology for environmental technogenic transformation by Mining Complexes is considered, as well as tools, structural principles, forms, ways and methods of scientific enquiry. The approach to geo-ecological research in mining complexes is worked out, including assessment of a targeted object, background and environment. The research brought about the assessment of natural and economic damage under the influence of a mining complex.

In modern conditions, for the purpose of preservation a territory’s ecosystem at its involvement in economic circulation, it is necessary to carry out the anticipatory geo-ecological assessment for indicating the degree of resistance to hypothetical anthropogenic influence. The existing methodological approaches for performing the geo-ecological assessment are unified and can often be equally applied to various types of territories. A new methodical approach for geo-ecological assessment is brought forth in the article. It takes into account the specific character of the Ural region’s northern territories. The approach is based on the point assessment of territory, which is explained by its large area, moreover, the point assessment is proposed to carry out before the development of the territory. This approach makes possible to consider the specific features of the territory’s ecosystem, namely its ability for self-restoration and self-cleaning in the process of economic development and after it. It allows carrying out the choice of economic activity direction on the whole and satisfying the condition of the minimization of the damage from violation the territory’s ecosystem and preservation its resource potential. The research results can be utilized in the studies of experts and students working on the geo-ecological assessment of territory.