Abstract <p>The article presents the results of studies of the distribution of rhenium in black (dictyonema) shales of the Baltic basin in the Kaibolovo–Gostilitsy area located in the Leningrad oblast. Rhenium contents exceeding the levels of minimum industrial concentrations in known types of complex ores have been determined. The distribution of rhenium in the organic and mineral matter of black shales has been studied. The distribution of rhenium in the dictyonema shale formation over the area and in the section of the shale-bearing stratum and the conditions under which rhenium mineralization was formed are described. The rhenium resources in the dictyonema shales of the Russian part of the Baltic basin should be considered as a new unconventional source of this valuable strategic metal.</p>