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The First Ore Mining Company Launched Lab at Northern (Arctic) Federal University
The First Ore Mining Company, JSC (FOMC) has launched a new Mining and Quarrying Computer Design Lab at the Northern (Arctic) Federal University (NArFU). The launching ceremony took place on March 5, with FOMC acting as the principal sponsor and key partner.
The event was attended by Viktor Ikonnikov, Deputy Prime Minister of the Arkhangelsk Region — Minister for Economic Development, Industry and Science; Igor Semenov, Executive Director of the First Ore Mining Company, JSC; Elena Kudryashova, NArFU President, and others. The lab’s state-of-the-art equipment will be used to teach students in Mining for them to practice 3D mining design, workflow optimization and planning at all the stages.
When talking to students, Igor Semenov said that «In the age of digital technology, the mining industry is living through changes. Today, mineral exploration drones are all over the place, and it no longer seems fantastic that in a few years load-haul-dumpers will be operated remotely — many kilometers away from the deposit. The increasing complexity of the management systems and tougher environmental requirements are resulting in game changing occupations, which emerge in our industry, such as mining systems engineer with the must-have analytical thinking and skills in intersectoral communication and project management. I hope this latter-day lab will help students to gain skills and make them attempt a career in mining.»
In addition, the laboratory will be a venue for consultations and lectures to be delivered by eminent experts, professional development for those engaged in the mining industry, as well as for apprenticeships and traineeships for students.
The ceremony was preceded by a meeting with representatives from the Russian Arctic, a world-class research and educational center, who discussed the center’s main 3-year strategic objectives and the would-be involvement of The First Ore Mining Company in their achievement. The event culminated in a talk that was given by FOMC Executive Director Igor Semenov to students in the Department of Geology and Mining.