FROM A STUDENT'S BENCH, HE ENTERED THE MINING PROFESSION

Exploration and mining combine a wide range of professions with attractive prospects for career and personal growth. Difficult but interesting professions open up wide opportunities for ambitious and intelligent people who are able to work in difficult and sometimes dangerous conditions.

This thesis is fully confirmed by the participants of the International Engineering Championship "CASE-IN". Just yesterday, they were finding solutions to real production problems, which were outlined to them by the country's leading industry companies, and today they descend dozens of meters underground to carry out mining operations, explore the surface of our planet and build models in three-dimensional space. The next issue of Junior magazine describes the stories of these brave and actively developing young people. Perhaps they can be the beginning of a long journey for students who dream of mining professions. The material also talks about the prospects and difficulties in the industry, the main competencies that need to be mastered now in order to become a great specialist in your field in the future.

They are already professionals

The mining industry is the focus of truly talented specialists of several generations who, thanks to their involvement, experience and diligence, achieve great heights. 

These include the chief project engineer of SPb-Giproshakht LLC. Nikita Lipnitsky.As the young man says, there has never been a question of choosing a profession: "It's a family thing. All close relatives are more or less connected with mining:".

 Nikita studied at St. Petersburg Mining University in the field of "Underground mining of reservoir deposits" and already during his studies under the guidance of Zubov V.P. he was engaged in the development of deposits of potassium-magnesium salts. In 2013, he joined BHPEnergo LLC, which at that time was the general designer of the Nivensky GOK in the Kaliningrad region. In 2017, SPb-Giproshakht LLC needed a specialist in this field, and the company invited him to join the staff, where he worked his way up from a leading engineer in the mining department to chief project engineer.

Permanent Chairman of the expert commission of the CASE-IN championship in the field of Mining, Director of IMC Montan Sergey Nikishichev He has been in the mining industry for over 30 years. A native of Kuzbass, he grew up in a mining family, so there was no doubt about the choice of direction initially. Sergey Nikishichev studied the basics of his future profession at the Moscow State Mining University.

"Our company's specialists are independent mining consultants who accompany the work of most mining enterprises in the country. These are people from all mining regions of Russia who, after successfully working at enterprises, have moved into the consulting field and use their knowledge in geological exploration, mining, mineral processing, ecology and economics."- says the expert.

Ilya Ovchinnikov Born in Udmurtia, he received his degree in mining engineering and geology in Yekaterinburg, and went to work in the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia). Ilya has gone through a serious career path and is the head of the laboratory of geological and geophysical assessment at the Scientific Research Geological Enterprise ALROSA, PJSC).

"I chose my profession in high school. Since childhood, I have liked encyclopedias, especially about natural phenomena. At first, I wanted to become a meteorologist, but the craving for traveling in mountainous areas eventually prevailed over everything else. Having decided to become a geologist, I applied to study at the Ural State Mining University at the Department of Geological Survey, Prospecting and Exploration of mineral deposits" Ilya recalls.

According to Ilya, the profession of a geologist is located at the junction of technical and humanitarian specialties. The technical component is the design of works, scientific research of rocks and geological conditions, the humanitarian component is the study of reports of predecessors, acquaintance with scientific publications of both geologists and specialists in related professions.

CEO of MYCROMINE Boris Kurtsev He did not plan to associate himself with the industry: he grew up in a military family and wanted to be a tankman or a pilot. However, his parents persuaded him to follow in their footsteps, so the young man entered the Moscow State Mining University and today is one of the brightest representatives of the industry.

"Our company helps miners working in production to master information systems and take a big step into the future. That's why I often tell students and new professionals: we are creating the future."- says Boris Kurtsev.

Graduate of the Geological Exploration Faculty of the Northeastern Federal University named after M.K. Ammosov Kira Olenova As a student, she worked as a miner of the second category, then tried herself as a geologist technician, and after graduation she became a mining engineer-geologist. She still holds this position today, honing her skills at the Krasnoyarsk Aerogeodetic Enterprise in Norilsk.

"Since childhood, I have been very close to nature, I have been interested in everything that happens around me, I loved exact sciences. Of course, the direction was suggested by my relatives: my aunt and uncle – Geologists. Besides, my beloved grandfather always said that mining is one of the most important branches of Russian industry, and specialists in this field will always be in demand."– Kira shares her memories.

However, as practice shows, not only established specialists with a degree in education can show their skills in the industry. Newcomers who have not yet graduated from university, but are already aspiring to a profession, are also welcome here.

For example, Elizaveta Mironova and Ilya Zikratsky They are studying to become mining engineers at Irkutsk National Research Technical University and at the same time they are learning the basics of the profession in the largest companies. Currently, students are interning at ALROSA as district surveyors of the Zarnitsa quarry of the Udachninsky Mining and Processing Complex.  As the guys say, this is the first step in their career ladder. The chosen profession is quite difficult, but this does not stop young people, because it is believed that the surveyor is the elite of mining. Young people claim that they have never regretted their choice during their studies. In their profession, despite their age, they are like fish in water.

Everyday life, interest and difficulties of the profession

The working day of a miner is associated with various kinds of difficult situations caused by both the specifics of the profession and external factors. However, as our heroes admit, the importance of the assigned mission and the love of their work help to overcome all obstacles.  

 As Ilya Ovchinnikov and Kira Olenova say, the profession of a mining engineer-geologist is multifaceted and solves several strategically important tasks at once. First of all, it is the search for deposits. The geologist analyzes the information and offers his own set of methods for studying the territory, focused on a particular mineral. After that, the active stage of research begins – these are geophysical work, the passage of routes, mining, drilling wells. All this is done in order to obtain additional information to assess the prospects of the area.

Ilya Ovchinnikov: "At the moment, I am working not only on forecasting diamond deposits in Yakutia, but also in the Krasnoyarsk Territory. In the summer of 2021, I became a participant in an ambitious project. Together with the staff of the Institute of the Earth's Crust, we conducted field work, in which, using helicopters and motorboats, geological detachments were deployed to remote areas of the taiga in order to obtain new information about the diamond-bearing potential of the Krasnoyarsk Territory. If a positive result is obtained, a new search area and, possibly, a new diamond-bearing province in Russia will soon appear.".

Nikita Lipnitsky, the chief project engineer, is constantly faced with all sorts of interesting tasks that build character and allow for progressive progress.

"One of them is the creation of an imitation model of the mining and processing plant. This model allows us to identify the weaknesses of the proposed design solutions at the pre-design stage and consider several scenarios." Nikita shares his impressions.

Most of all, a young man likes constant development and great competition. Nikita perceives even various difficulties on the positive side: overcoming them, the specialist develops his competencies and becomes a professional in his field.

Boris Kurtsev talks about the everyday life of the MYCROMINE company: "We employ graduates of mining and other universities, and they have knowledge not only in the field of mining and geology.  These are interdisciplinary specialists who understand big data, programming, and robotics, implement information technologies for mining enterprises, and work with simulation models and robotic systems."

All the company's products are diverse and have no analogues in the world. "We are moving with the times, – Boris Kurtsev is sure. – One of the latest developments that struck me is machine vision technology, which is used in one of the large deposits. What is its essence? We put a camera on the small loading trucks that are used to transport the rock mass. It determines whether the bucket is full, and also counts the number of downloads and unloads. Previously, this technology did not exist, so the company had to purchase additional equipment for the calculation. Well, now we are developing a technology that will read the inscriptions on the walls of the mine workings and determine the location of the device based on them."

There is something to show and IMC Montan. As Sergey Nikishichev notes, the engineering consultant works for the development of the mining industry in Russia.: "We place special emphasis on investment attraction projects. Among the most ambitious – development of the feasibility study adopted by the Project Finance Factory for the implementation of the Udokan project.  development of a feasibility study for the start of construction of the Chernogorsky GOK, which was signed by Russian Platinum, VEB RF, VTB at the St. Petersburg Economic Forum."

The main difficulty that the company is facing today is the shortage of qualified personnel.  "To cope with this, we all need to pay more attention to the problems of engineering education and the development of teaching staff, as well as the creation of training grounds for industrial practice." This is the idea that the director of IMC Montan, as chairman of the CASE-IN expert commission, broadcasts annually at the championship finals in Moscow.

"A consultant should not only be a professional engineer, but also be able to express his thoughts clearly and competently, work in a team and, most importantly, – to see the strategic goal of combining all the factors that affect the feasibility of field development and the effectiveness of projects, – the expert is sure.

ALROSA has created one of these landfills for future miners and geologists. According to Ilya Zikratsky, the working day of an intern in the company is practically no different from changing a full-time specialist.: "The day begins with the preparation of material for mine surveying, followed by work in the quarry itself. They are usually conducted in the morning, then we process the received data to transfer the materials to the planning and technical department and issue instructions to the mining masters."

Elizaveta Mironova spoke in more detail about the student's working day at ALROSA.: "In the morning, it is necessary to prepare materials for field work: write out the coordinates of the points that need to be taken to the area, print out graphic materials, enter the data into the total station. Next, we go to the quarry and perform instrumental observations. Upon returning to the workplace, I process the survey data, draw the positions of the faces, and calculate the volume of rock mass., I control the design parameters of the quarry."

Elizaveta Mironova and Ilya Zikratsky are not artificially protected from the difficulties experienced by established specialists at work. First of all, as the students say, these are weather conditions: acrid smoke from forest fires in Yakutia, as well as thick fog, make it difficult to see and breathe. Insects (midges and mosquitoes) also cause certain inconveniences.

However, as the guys shared, all difficulties can be overcome, and the impressions from the practice are only positive, because the company equips employees with the most modern equipment, provides housing and various social and material guarantees.

Great prospects for growth

Today, leading employers are waiting for purposeful and unafraid young professionals, so they are ready to provide knowledge and competencies not only to students, but also to schoolchildren. The heroes of today's material at one time did not fail to take advantage of this opportunity, and now they are in demand in their profession, they believe in their success and the prospects of the industry.

Ilya Ovchinnikov: "Our profession is of paramount importance to humanity. For example, we study the surface of the planet for possible prevention of various kinds of cataclysms. We also extract minerals, without which further industrial development is impossible. Another difference in the profession is the opportunity to travel: It's a romantic activity that allows you to visit places where no one has ever been."

It's no secret that the industry is rich in career prospects. Mining companies are ready to offer young people good financial conditions, social security and the opportunity for further growth.

"With each project, you become more educated and experienced, and soon you can become an expert in one of the areas.,  Ilya continues. – And in general, the work of dedicated employees is appreciated here, so dedicated employees have a chance to rise to senior positions in the future."

Elizaveta Mironova: "If we talk about the career ladder in mining, then, indeed, with a special desire and desire, it is possible to achieve success here. For example, 7-10 years after starting a career, it is quite realistic to find yourself in the position of chief surveyor. But, as practice shows, there are few brave souls who want to come from a large and comfortable city to the north of the country, where winter has been fierce for 9 months."

Nikita Lipnitsky: "What are the prospects in the industry? There are many new beginnings and interesting tasks here. This is a great field for discoveries and great successes. Mining and geological working conditions are constantly changing, which forces everyone involved to always be on their toes and look for non-standard ways to solve a wide variety of tasks. And this, in turn, encourages a person to move forward."

Tips from established professionals

The importance of studying at school and consistently developing diverse qualities was emphasized by all the participants in our survey. In their opinion, these factors will help students decide on their favorite profession and achieve success in it.

Nikita Lipnitsky: "Exploration and mining offer professions that will not limit your development opportunities and the scope of your tasks. Specialists in this field must combine a balance of engineering and creative thought. By reaching it, you will discover great opportunities for yourself."

Elizaveta Mironova: "Our profession places high demands on both professional competencies and personal qualities.  Therefore, you should enter the industry only with full awareness of your readiness for a big challenge."

Kira Olenova: "Being a geologist and a representative of the industry as a whole does not just mean working for the good of the country. It is a way of life and a way of thinking, in general, a state of mind. A big dream requires full dedication and hard work. Therefore, study, work on yourself and develop!"

Boris Kurtsev: "An engineer of the future is a specialist who not only has knowledge in the field of mining and geological exploration, but also knows the basics of the digital world. Therefore, master all the latest IT-Technology and stay on trend. In the future, the value of these qualities will only increase."

Ilya Ovchinnikov: «Don't look for a job, but look for a high-paying hobby. If you live your business and enjoy your work, then in any case you will realize yourself and be successful."

 Sergey Nikishichev: "Love and respect your mentors, take advantage of their positive experiences, look for and appreciate people who have a lot to learn from"!

This article was published in the Junior magazine (youth supplement to the Mining Industry magazine, No. 3(5) 2021, pp. 14-17) and is available at the link.