Yakutia's gold giant trains next-gen miners from fifth grade onward

Polus Aldan, the largest gold mining company in Yakutia, has launched a career guidance programme to attract young talent. The initiative targets students from school age through to university, aiming to tackle the region’s skilled labour shortage in mining. The programme begins early, introducing mining professions and educational paths to pupils as young as fifth grade. It continues to support students through colleges and universities, offering hands-on experiences like visits to mining sites.

A group of students from North-Eastern Federal University (NEFU) recently toured the Kuranakh ore field. For many, like second-year student Yegor Alexeyev, the trip provided new insights into mining operations. Seeing equipment and processes firsthand proved more impactful than textbook learning.

Irina Gladkina, a senior lecturer at NEFU, noted that such visits help retain young professionals in the republic. They also encourage a responsible attitude towards the industry’s demands. The programme addresses immediate workforce challenges in Yakutia’s mining sector. It also invests in the region’s long-term stability by building a skilled and confident workforce. Students gain practical knowledge while companies secure future talent.