Polyus has helped to equip a laboratory for students at Magadan Technological College, providing RUB 5.9mln in funding support towards procuring advanced laboratory equipment.
The laboratory, “Processes and Beneficiation Plant Equipment: Automating Production,” has been equipped with 20 different mini-modules (the analogues of which are used at the ore processing plant).
Ruslan Fedorchuk, College Director, commented:“The lab is set to be converted into a mini-plant for the processing and treating of precious metal ore, and our students will be able to gain experience of using different technologies and equipment.”
The facilities aren’t only available to students; any employee who wishes to gain a new qualification can undertake a training programme at the lab.
The lab currently has the following equipment: a vibrating screen, a jaw crusher, jigs, flotation cells and mills, all installed for treating of run-of-mine material. In addition to this, mills, crushers, a heap leaching unit, agitators and ore particle classifiers will be purchased in the near future, in order to launch a comprehensive educational ore processing training program.
The laboratory’s opening ceremony was attended by college teachers, students, regional officials and Polyus representatives.
Sergey Nosov, Mayor of the Magadan Region, commented:“The lab provides new possibilities for students to study ore processing technologies, and to apply their knowledge on operating equipment in practical situations. They have the opportunity to gain useful skills by operating this equipment, which will stand them in good stead for their future careers. If they choose a career here, at a Magadan enterprise, they will be doing the right thing.”
Pavel Vorsin, Managing Director of Polyus Magadan (Natalka), commented:“Ore treatment is a complex process: it is important to learn how to use the equipment first-hand, as it differs from the basic principles described in textbooks. Furthermore, this equipment is cutting-edge, meaning some textbooks have become outdated. Polyus has pursued this partnership as students represent our future. The lab also demonstrates industrial safety; it is vital to learn how to operate the equipment properly. Having gained experience here, the students will be prepared to work in our Company. In the long run, this partnership will enable us to produce more gold, which is key for the development of the company and the region. We plan to continue developing training and laboratory facilities at Kolyma.”