In 2023, a Kuprum training centre was established at secondary school No. 2 as part of a federal programme aimed at modernising social infrastructure in Zabaykalsky Krai, with the support of Udokan Copper.
The new KuprUM Centre was created in partnership with the M. I. Agoshkov Transbaikal Mining College.The opening of the centre was attended by Alexey Yashchuk, CEO of Udokan Copper; adminstrators from the Agoshkov Mining College and from Transbaikal State University; and Elena Volozhanina, Director of Secondary School No. 2.
The training centre offer students in grades 6–11 an opportunity to learn the fundamentals of mining and metallurgy; develop skills in using software and equipment; take additional courses in 3D modelling, robotics and virtual-reality technology; and study general subjects in greater depth. Vocational training programmes will be available for students in grades 9–11, enabling them to learn mining trades at the centre. In addition, the centre will offer continuing education classes in the natural sciences and technical fields, as well as training and professional development programmes, including a training and retraining programme for drivers and heavy-equipment operators. Simulators for operating heavy-duty trucks and passenger vehicles have been installed at the centre.
“The mining industry is a promising field for us,” said Aleksandr Osipov, Governor of Zabaykalsky Krai. “Transbaikal is where the history of Russian mining began 300 years ago. The region is incredibly rich: even by conservative estimates, about 15% of [the country’s] non-hydrocarbon reserves lie underground in Zabaykalsky Krai. It is crucial for us to develop this potential and to ensure that we have top-tier professionals working here.”
According to Governor Osipov, the KuprUM Centre is one of a number of schools producing skilled specialists.
Mr Yashchuk, the CEO Udokan Copper, emphasised that the centre provides students with a genuine opportunity to receive specialised vocational education and to pursue a career as mining engineers. “This is very important because, upon graduation, students can immediately begin earning money through their work,” he said. “At the same time, we have a pressing need for specialised mining engineers, and we are counting on local residents [to fill these positions].”
He added that the company’s technicians would be involved in the centre’s activities and that the practice of production tours to the company’s existing workshops would continue.
