On September 1, Empress Catherine II Saint Petersburg Mining University launched an educational program for representatives of African countries entitled “Management of Subsoil Use Facilities.” International internships and short-term courses are not new for this resource-focused university, yet this project is unlike any of its predecessors.
For the first time at Russia’s oldest engineering university, a one-year program is being implemented for twenty citizens of the “continent of hope, prospects, and vast potential.” And these are not students or postgraduates, but leading employees of resource companies and government authorities. In the future, they will apply their new knowledge to modernize production processes at specific enterprises or to improve state regulation.
«These are specialists in the mineral resource sector — both representatives of engineering disciplines and of economics. The course is designed to provide advanced training in both directions. The technological block of disciplines forms a mini-model of the full development cycle of a resource enterprise: geology, evaluation and exploration of deposits, digitalization, fundamentals of petroleum engineering, open-pit and underground mining, beneficiation, metallurgical production, ecology, and safety. This is the educational foundation of our mining engineers, but presented in a concentrated form. At the same time, colleagues will study the philosophy of science and an economic block — intellectual property law, management, finance, and the fundamentals of legislation. The aim of the project is not only to provide knowledge but also to strengthen contacts between our countries», - emphasizes the program coordinator from the Mining University, Head of the Department of Historical and Dynamic Geology, Doctor of Sciences, Irina Talovina.
Over the course of a year, participants will spend 864 hours in the university’s classrooms. Twice as much time is allocated to internships and practical training at enterprises, as well as at the university’s laboratories and educational-research sites. In addition, the cycle includes industrial practice at national natural resource facilities. Tentatively, during the winter holidays, participants will return to their home countries, from where they will bring mineral samples from deposits; in the spring semester, they will study and write their diploma projects. Thus, scientific work is expected to proceed in parallel with their studies.
«In each individual case, this will be a joint study by Mining University staff and African colleagues, which may subsequently form the basis for a scientific publication or a conference presentation. The forthcoming scientific and technical cooperation could become the starting point for developing a technological chain or another form of partnership», - notes Irina Talovina.
There are no “random participants” among the students. Information about the program was disseminated through the relevant ministries of the countries on the continent.
Initially, hundreds of applicants competed for a place in the program, which made it necessary to organize a rigorous multi-stage selection process: first at the level of national governments, then by the Russian ministry, and finally by the university itself. As a result, a group of qualified specialists aged 26 to 56 was formed, all with strong personal motivation and a clear understanding of how they will apply the knowledge gained in Russia. All participants hold higher education degrees, some with PhDs, professional status, and substantial work experience. For some, this program will be an excellent start in their profession; for others, it will be an opportunity to advance to the next stage of their careers.
Masita Tabiso Bernard from South Africa is visiting Russia for the first time. He is 50 years old and works at the South Deep Gold Mine in the Department of Mineral Extraction, serving as a shift supervisor in mining operations.
«To be honest, I never thought I would find myself here. A long time ago, I started in the mining industry from scratch — just a novice with a shovel in my hands. But I have always tried to make use of every opportunity life gives me. That is how I ended up here! The program ‘Management of Subsoil Use Facilities’ will be an excellent addition to my résumé. It is never too late to study! Although there are specialized universities in my country, they are significantly behind Empress Catherine II Saint Petersburg Mining University in terms of level. I hope that the knowledge I gain over the coming year will help me expand my professional potential and become much more effective in the industry. I am a production worker, and above all, I am interested in lectures related to production activities — ore process modeling, tunnel excavation, and similar topics. In addition, I would like to learn more about the opportunities for implementing digital technologies in geology and mining. Upon returning home, I plan to apply this new knowledge to my work and modernize the technological process. But I feel that this educational course should be a step toward something greater — possibly continuing my studies and obtaining a master’s degree. That would allow me to engage in academic activities and consulting. Mining is a job of immense physical strain. When the time comes and my strength runs out, it is knowledge that will allow me to remain in the industry!» - shares Tabiso Bernard.
Over the past decades, Africa has freed itself from colonialism, begun developing democratic institutions, held free elections, and ensured the peaceful transfer of power. The continent has demonstrated significant progress, making it a “territory of hope.” Yet it still faces a number of serious challenges.
The resolution of economic problems is hindered by illegal “marauders” and transnational corporations that extract billions of dollars’ worth of minerals from Africa to developed countries. As a result, the continent is deprived of resources needed for the development of its economy, healthcare, education, and infrastructure.
Ayedogbon Olabandji Andrew came from Nigeria. He works in the Environmental Oversight Service for the Mining Industry of the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development. During the interview for selection, the geologist spoke in detail about the serious problems faced by communities hosting resource companies in Nigeria, and about the importance of addressing them.
«For the sake of participating in the program, I left my home country for an entire year and stepped away from my familiar life. But in fact, I eagerly awaited the chance to see and learn about the world beyond Africa and Nigeria. My work is related to environmental impact assessments and the social obligations of mining companies toward local communities. For my country, this is a major issue. Nigeria ranks second in Africa in oil and gas reserves and has deposits of hard and brown coal, gold, lithium, and iron ore. We are facing the ruthless depletion of our lands, leaving behind only environmental and social problems. At the Mining University, I will study the latest trends in ‘Assessment, Monitoring, and Control of Industrial Safety at Mining Enterprises,’‘Environmental Principles of Natural Resource Use,’‘Management of Sustainable Development,’ and ‘Lean Production in the Mineral Resource Sector.’ This entire block of courses is fundamentally important for my work and for the country as a whole. These studies will help me better understand how to conduct sustainable mineral extraction while maintaining a balance between nature and the economy. Later, back home, I plan to carry out educational work to involve residents in mineral resource development within environmental standards, to monitor the fulfillment of companies’ social obligations in building schools and hospitals, and to support training programs for members of local communities», - explains Ayedogbon Olabandji Andrew.
Bangura Kadiatu from Sierra Leone is only 26 years old. She is the youngest participant in her course, yet also one of the most energetic and ambitious. In a certain sense, she personifies her homeland. One of Africa’s smallest states (its territory is smaller than Leningrad Oblast) possesses significant reserves of diamonds, gold, rutile, and bauxite.
The young woman is delighted by the beauty of Saint Petersburg and the friendliness of Russians, but she clearly understands that she did not come for tourism.
«I believe our program is another important step in cooperation between Russia and Africa, primarily in the mining industry. My country is very small. We have many mineral resources, and with proper management, they could provide us with a secure life. However, a prolonged civil war and many other factors have prevented us from learning how to use these natural resources effectively for our own benefit. I head geological oversight in the Mining Industry Department of the National Minerals Agency. Our structure regulates the activities of mining companies, issuing licenses for the extraction and exploitation of mineral resources. For example, I currently supervise the operations of a mining company engaged in underground diamond extraction. I record the number of stones mined each day. If we do not monitor how much the workers receive, they could simply declare whatever numbers they deem appropriate. It is necessary to ensure production targets are met. I have been working at the agency for only two years, but my decisions have already influenced its operations, which is why the management nominated me for this program», - says Bangura Kadiatu.
She is particularly interested in the possibilities of digitalization in geology, mining, and resource exploitation, which can also be applied to her supervisory functions:
«I am a woman, and in the mining industry, there are still places where I am prohibited from going. Most often, women are sent to work in offices. But if I gain experience in digital mining technologies — for example, in the use of remote sensing devices employed in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to collect data from remote areas of the Earth — I will be able to work from anywhere».
Kadiatu is not the only participant from Sierra Leone. Kabba Musa heads the Industrial Safety Oversight Service at Marampa Mines Limited. The company is engaged in exploration, development, and production of high-quality iron ore concentrate in the north of the country.
Although Musa himself came to Russia for the first time, he was already well informed about Saint Petersburg and the Mining University.
«I had heard a lot about your city from the media and the Internet, but above all from my brother, Timothy Musa Kabba, who received his higher education at the Mining University, specializing in petroleum exploration and production engineering. After returning to his homeland, he rose to the position of Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources, and since 2023 has been serving as Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Government of Sierra Leone», - the environmental specialist explains.
In essence, this is a vivid example of how people who receive their education in a foreign country develop a lifelong bond with it. Even years later, they remember its language and culture, share their memories with family, and wish to strengthen friendly relations between their homeland and the country where they studied.
«I am a professional in the field of environmental protection, but this alone is not enough. Today, we urgently need specialists in natural resource management — in organizing the rational use and reproduction of natural resources, environmental protection, and compliance with environmental law. Five of us came from Sierra Leone to participate in this program. I am convinced that our careers in the mining sector, our arrival here, our studies, and our eventual return home are necessary to help our government. Like most African countries, we lack the experience for effective management of our subsoil resources. As for raising the qualifications of those who could not come here, we plan to share the knowledge we acquire and thereby raise the overall level of expertise among specialists», - shares Kabba Musa.
The international advanced training program “Management of Subsoil Use Facilities” is comparable to an MBA (Master of Business Administration).
The program is being implemented with the support of the International Competence Centre for Mining Engineering Education under the auspices of UNESCO.
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