I can only assume that some Tsars don't want to send columns of 10 brigades off into the Urals for a long period. There is little that you can do in the immediate term about other natural resources. Two mines will allow you to run 3-4 factories, and other production sites will have to be built on basic terrain. A good tip is to plan your building in the area round Moscow, and develop it east and northeast of the capital. Russia does have the advantage of two trade cities but is otherwise poorly placed to play the trade markets.
Baggage trains can reach Warsaw, Istanbul, Vienna and Berlin fairly easily but that's about it.
This means you must take a long term view of trading, and invest for the future. Ships and baggage trains should be stocked with merchandise and sent off on long expeditions. However Russia should avoid the lure of colonial expeditions as it is the worst placed of all the States to support overseas adventures. Russia's armed forces require some thought to their development. The army list is impressive but don't be too mesmerised by those Guard Grenadiers, Riflemen and Cuirassiers.