The third People. Gold. Technologies industry conference, organized by Polyus, opened in Krasnoyarsk. It brought together more than 200 leading experts from across Russia to discuss the future of mining, from AI integration and large-scale digitalization of operations to training a new generation of engineers. The rapid pace of innovations poses the main challenge for the industry, as traditional academic programs struggle to keep pace with developments at operating sites, while equipment modernization outpaces updates in curriculum, creating a significant gap between theory and practice. Denis Guts, Vice Rector for Academic Affairs in the Siberian Federal University, highlighted that universities often operate in «rear-view mirror» mode, and it is important to develop graduates who are prepared for uncertainty.
Modern mining has become a high-tech process in which IT and AI specialists play a role alongside geologists. The participants discussed computer vision, digital twins and automation of complex processes. These innovations are particularly important for unique and ultra-deep operations such as the Olimpiada mine (Krasnoyarsk Territory), where mining safety and efficiency in the open pit are directly affected by geomechanical engineering.
Konstantin Garanin, Vice President for Mineral Resources in Polyus, said: «As Russia’s leading gold producer, we are ready not only to share our achievements, but also to bring colleagues together to exchange knowledge.»
Polyus and other industry leaders are committed to creating a collaborative educational environment with leading universities. Companies are actively engaging in shaping the educational process, creating flexible optional courses, laboratories and paid internships. Practicing engineers are becoming instructors and help students familiarize themselves with innovations in real operational environment.
The synergy of human capital and advanced technologies forms a strong foundation for long-term stability and independence of the gold mining sector. Direct integration into the educational environment allows the employers to eliminate shortage in human resources and avoid time-consuming retraining of new hires. Investments in the skills of young professionals while they are still at university is becoming a key driver of the sustainable development of Russia’s gold mining industry.