Geology profession guarantees country’s economic stability

Participants of the three-day summer school, comprising both high school students and university students, became acquainted with the specificities of the geologist profession. University students had the opportunity to apply their theoretical knowledge in practice, thereby gaining a deeper understanding of their field of study and professional nuances.

Emphasizing the importance of strengthening the connection between schools, universities, and employers, Sargis Kelyan, Dean of YSU Faculty of Geography and Geology, stated: "It is impossible to train specialists in the field without collaborating with employers. This summer school involves both the faculty’s students, who are undergoing their academic internship in Syunik, and school students interested in geology and eager to pursue a career in this sector."

Within the framework of the "Young Geologist" summer school, lectures, discussions, and visits to the production sites of the Zangezur Copper-Molybdenum Combine (ZCMC) were held.

Papin Muradyan, Program Coordinator at YSU Faculty of Geography and Geology, speaking about the summer school’s role in the professional orientation of school students, noted: "Professional orientation is addressed through such summer schools, camps, and various other activities. Students receive very limited information about the geology profession within the curriculum of the Geography subject. However, by introducing the distinctive aspects and core functions of a geologist’s work in this format, the issue of professional orientation is effectively resolved."

Armen Stepanyan, Director for Sustainable Development at ZCMC, highlighted that while extracting ore and subsequently extracting metals are important, the correct execution of these processes is even more crucial.

"If we do not actively work today to discover new mining sites, there will be no mining industry in Armenia within 10-15 years. Consequently, without mining, there will be no demand for geologists either. Therefore, through initiatives like this, by reassessing the role of the geologist profession in the development of our country’s economy, we are working in cooperation with government bodies to increase interest in geology," Armen Stepanyan emphasized. 

Not all participants of the summer school had decided on their future career path. Milena Sargsyan, one of the participants, stressed that the summer school offers an opportunity to learn about an interesting profession, acquire new knowledge and friends, and better determine which profession they wish to pursue in the future.

To reinforce and deepen theoretical and practical knowledge, as well as to jointly foster the development of educational, scientific, and cultural sectors, a memorandum of cooperation was signed between YSU Faculty of Geography and Geology and the Kapan Geological Museum.

Alyosha Hayrapetyan, Director of the Kapan Geological Museum, highly valued the collaboration with the university, emphasizing that together with Yerevan State University, they will work with renewed responsibility and enthusiasm toward the advancement of the field.

The second day of the "Young Geologist" summer school commenced with a lecture by Vardan Jhanyan, First Deputy General Director of ZCMC and President of the Union of Miners and Metallurgists of Armenia. His presentation focused on mine reserves, their utilization, and the future prospects of the company. 

Following the lecture, participants visited an open-pit mine area, familiarized themselves with geological instruments, and learned about the peculiarities of rock study and mineralization. They toured the production units and the beneficiation plant.

Thanks to the summer school, the majority of participating students have now clearly determined their career path.

YSU Faculty of Geography and Geology students have been conducting their academic internships at ZCMC in Syunik for the second consecutive year, based on the memorandum of cooperation between the institutions.  

Tiruhi Mkrtchyan, Associate Professor at the Chair of Geophysics, Engineering Geology and Hydrogeology, YSU Faculty of Geography and Geology, underscored the importance of the academic internship organized in partnership with the collaborating institution, noting that theoretical knowledge gained in the classroom can only be effectively applied if students directly participate in the work conducted at mining sites.

According to Sargis Kelyan, Dean of YSU Faculty of Geography and Geology, one does not become a geologist solely in the classroom; becoming a fully qualified specialist is only possible through the practical application of theoretical knowledge, participation in field research, and independently conducting such studies.