The application of the term “industrial minerals” to a certain group of minerals is explained. It is noted that some metallic minerals are used as industrial minerals without metallurgical processing. For decades, industrial minerals of Karelia have occupied an important place in theoretical research and practical use. The most promising types of industrial minerals of Karelia, which constitute the mineral and raw material resources of the republic, are highlighted. The article presents a general analysis of the state of knowledge on the region’s industrial minerals, including an assessment of reserves or resources. Strategically and economically important industrial minerals are identified based on multiple factors, primarily their location in the Arctic zone of the Republic of Karelia. Such industrial minerals include graphites and fluorites of the Ladoga region, high-purity quartz of the Arctic zone of the Republic of Karelia, including pegmatite dumps of the Plotina and Klimovsky sites, kyanites and fine-flaky muscovite of the Khizovaara structure, alkaline syenites of the Elet’ozersky intrusive complex, highcarbon shungite formations, Archean carbonate-talc strata of the Kamennoozersky structure, unconventional complex sources of feldspar (Rosa-Lampi, etc.). It is proposed to increase the role of government bodies in the development of ad hoc programs designed to upscale geological exploration, extraction and deep processing of industrial minerals by mining enterprises in the region. We also recommend involving the Institute of Geology of the Karelian Research Center RAS and the Institute of Forestry, Mining and Construction Sciences of the Petrozavodsk State University in the systematic work to introduce innovative production technologies and advanced solutions in the management and administration in the mining industry.