BA Economics Students Gain First-Hand Insights into Mining Operations at Altynken – OSCE Academy in Bishkek

BA Economics Students Gain First-Hand Insights into Mining Operations at Altynken

On 7 and 9 October 2026, senior students of the BA in Economics programme (2023-2027 cohort) visited the Altynken mine in Orlovka as part of the course “Economics and Sustainable Management of Mineral Resources,” taught by Mr. Almaz Ashirov, – to gain first-hand insight into the operations of a large-scale mining facility. The visit began at the site’s administrative office, where company representatives introduced students to Altynken’s history, operations, scale, and role in the regional economy.

 

Before entering the production area, students attended a safety briefing covering site regulations, restricted and hazardous areas, designated routes, and emergency procedures. Each participant was also provided with personal protective equipment, including a helmet, a reflective vest, and a protective mask. The group then visited the control room, where specialists explained the overall production process, from ore extraction to processing and final output.

This introduction helped students understand how the different stages of mining operations are interconnected before observing them firsthand. The visit concluded with a tour of the processing plant, where staff explained the stages of gold production, the equipment and technologies involved, and key technical and environmental considerations.

Students also had the opportunity to ask questions about production costs, employment, and the mine’s impact on the local community. The field trip provided students with valuable practical insights into the mining industry and helped them connect the theoretical knowledge gained in class with real-world industrial operations.

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