Joint activities in production and education between al-Farabi Kazakh National University and KATCO LLP within SDG 4 (4.3.1., 4.3.2., 4.3.4)

Before the beginning of the academic year 2023-24, teachers of the Department of Physical Chemistry, Catalysis and Petrochemistry Alisheva Zh.N., Igembaev I.B., as well as a group of undergraduates of Al-Farabi KazNU visited the uranium deposit Moyinkum LLP "Kazakhstan-French joint venture "KATCO" within the framework of SDG objectives "To promote sustainable industrialization and by 2030 to significantly increase the level of employment in industry and the share of industrial production in gross domestic product in accordance with national conditions. Double the corresponding indicators in least developed countries".

KATCO is the world’s largest in situ recovery uranium miner and an example of successful international cooperation between France and Kazakhstan. The Company produces around 7% of annual global uranium output using this less carbon-intensive mining method.

The trip was organized in order to familiarize master's students and teachers with the peculiarities of uranium mining in Kazakhstan, as well as with the possibilities of applying the acquired knowledge in the future.

Upon arrival at the site, the students met with representatives of the Department of Geology and Information Gathering. The program of the visit was rich, within the framework of which the specialists acquainted the guests with the landfill and drilling operations. S. Myrzakhanuly presented the work of the processing plant. During the visit, the participants familiarized themselves with the technology of ore mining and processing, as well as discussed problems and prospects for the development of the industry.

The next day, the Director of Geology and Information Gathering Department, Bolat Yerlibek, and Assistant Kuanyshbaev Baglan gave a presentation on "Basic Principles of Geological Exploration, Introduction of the Staff, Introduction to the Peculiarities of Geology in the Region and Estimation of Reserves". Master students asked many questions concerning various aspects of geology and exploration.

A presentation on "GIS application in mining and exploration of uranium deposits" was held with specialists of information collection department Aliyev S. and Zhumashuly Erzhan. There was also a presentation on "3D modeling" by specialist Abrakhmanov A. The students learned about what GIS programs are used in mining and exploration of uranium deposits, as well as how they help in data collection, processing and analysis, including employment opportunities in the company. Students also learned how modeling geological structures helps predict optimal solutions to uranium mining and exploration challenges. In addition, the students had hands-on exercises analyzing uranium ore samples, which allowed them to deepen their knowledge of chemistry and geology.

After lunch, specialists Pachchakhanov B. and Idirisov A. presented to the master students the principle of operation of the core storage facility for geological sampling and chemical analysis using XRF and Terraspec.

At the end of the trip, the participants gathered at the final meeting, where a meeting with GeEnergies alumni was held and a presentation in the format of "Questions - Answers" was organized. The graduate students were interested in employment and job requirements. Upon completion of the internship, the Director of Geology, Yerlibek Bolat, presented the master students with certificates of completion of the internship, as well as souvenir media from the company. Yerlibek Bolat expressed his gratitude to the master students for their participation in the internship and emphasized the importance of such programs. The participants of the trip also expressed their gratitude to the organizers for the opportunity to participate in an interesting and informative event.

For their part, the university professors held an informational event aimed at helping interested production specialists in determining the path of admission to the educational programs "7M07201 - Oil and Gas Engineering" and "7M07202 - Oil and Gas Engineering (double degree, University of Lorraine)" in Al-Farabi Kazakh National University.

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