YSU hosts discussion on mining industry’s role, challenges, and solutions

The mining industry is considered a key sector of the economy, with its development having a direct impact on a country's overall progress. Recognizing its significance, the seminar participants discussed the current state of Armenia’s mining sector, existing challenges, and various economic-related aspects of the industry. 

Sargis Kelyan, Dean of YSU Faculty of Geography and Geology, emphasized that the discussion was both insightful and beneficial. He noted that it provided not only a general understanding of the topic but also an opportunity to hear expert perspectives and firsthand experiences.

"This was an excellent platform to identify and discuss several pressing issues. During the seminar, specialists addressed critical and highly specific aspects of the mining industry, offering comprehensive answers that helped students gain a deeper understanding of the field. Furthermore, students entering the sector must have opportunities to ask open questions to experienced professionals and interact with potential future employers," said the Dean.

He also highlighted that last year, Yerevan State University, the Ministry of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure of Armenia, and Zangezur Copper-Molybdenum Combine (ZCMC) signed a trilateral memorandum, under which this seminar was organized.

According to Kelyan, the memorandum allows students of the Faculty of Geography and Geology to participate in production practices and internship programs at ZCMC, contribute to the company's development projects, and engage in various experience-sharing initiatives.

As part of the seminar, ZCMC’s First Deputy General Director Vardan Jahanyan, Deputy Director Artyom Petrosyan, Director of Sustainable Development Armen Stepanyan, and his deputy Anna Saghabalyan visited YSU and delivered lectures.  

Vardan Jahanyan, ZCMC’s First Deputy General Director and President of the Union of Miners and Metallurgists of Armenia, underscored the importance of such initiatives and expressed gratitude to the university for providing a platform to share sector insights. 

"I am well aware of the challenges in the industry and firmly believe that such meetings, especially with the academic staff of universities, should be held more frequently. Our sector is one of Armenia’s strategic sectors, directly influencing the country's economic and social development. That is why we must continue to discuss it, raise awareness, and ensure public engagement," he stated. 

During his presentation, Jahanyan used a slideshow to present the mining sector’s significance in economic development and its role in the future. He also addressed key trends in mining, the metals produced in Armenia, the demand for copper and molybdenum, and the sector’s overall potential.

Following each presentation, a Q&A session was held, allowing participants to ask the speakers questions and receive clarifications on topics of interest.

The seminar was highly significant in providing an opportunity to discuss the industry's main challenges, including environmental concerns, production efficiency, the adoption of new technologies, and improvements in working conditions. It also proposed various solutions to these issues.

The event brought together academic staff and students from the Faculties of Geography and Geology, Law, Economics and Management, and Biology. YSU students had the opportunity to acquire essential knowledge from industry specialists, learn from their experiences, and gain a deeper understanding of the sector’s unique aspects and development prospects.