INRTU Graduates Ecologists for African and Central Asian Countries

Department of Mineral Processing and Environmental Protection named after S.B. Leonov graduated extramural Masters of Science under the program “Ecology and Green Engineering”.

Among the graduates are representatives of African and Central Asian countries.

One of the graduates, Kebe Sally Estelle is a native of Abidjan (Cote d'Ivoire, West Africa). Before entering INRTU, she received a lyceum education, a BTS diploma – a document of higher technical education in civil engineering, and a degree from the Specialized School of Civil Engineering and Public Works (ESBTP).

As Sally Estelle noted, her studies at INRTU were conducted in a friendly and comfortable environment, teachers were eager to help the international student in learning complex aspects of ecology. Together with Associate Professor Viacheslav Barakhtenko Kebe Sally Estel wrote a scientific paper “Sustainable management of mineral processing waste: necessary balance”.

The graduate student analyzed the waste management system of mining enterprises in Africa. The relevance of the research topic is the growth of production with the disposal of waste containing hazardous and toxic materials and substances.

For example, in Congo subsoil users dump about 40 % of waste into rivers without treatment, in Ghana a gold processing plant produces about 2.5 million tons of waste per year, reducing the quality of water used by 50,000 people. In mining areas, there has been a 40 % reduction in fish catches, less land for agriculture and illnesses in local communities due to inhalable dust. High environmental risks are confirmed by laboratory tests.

“In my Master's thesis, I propose precise integrated solutions to reduce the environmental risks of mining based on the best global practices – the experience of Chile, Canada, Australia and Sweden. One of the recommendations is the introduction of new technologies for mining and processing of raw materials with minimal waste generation. In addition, it is necessary to strengthen the regulatory framework, develop long-term environmental monitoring programs, promote cooperation between government and business, and attract investment in the industry.

Research work at INRTU has strengthened my desire to contribute to the sustainable development of Africa,” noted Kebe Sally Estelle.

Alexandra Abdurakhmonova-Vasilieva dedicated her thesis to sustainable development of her hometown, the capital of Uzbekistan – Tashkent. For more than seven years she has been working in a private company developing environmental standards for enterprises. Having received a basic mathematical education at a branch of Lomonosov Moscow State University, Alexandra realized that in order to grow in her career, she needed a specialized engineering education in the field of environmental protection.

As the graduate emphasized, at INRTU she met experienced teachers of environmental engineering. Alexandra is especially grateful to Professor Elena Zelinskaia, who helped her assess the condition of soil, water, and air in Tashkent, as well as energy consumption, waste management, and the city's transportation system. The study concluded that the concentration of fine particles in the air of Tashkent is three to four times higher than the norm, 28 % of the sources of air pollution are in the heating sector. Electricity consumption in Tashkent grows by 3-4 % annually, the number of cars has doubled over the last 10 years – from 250 to 510 thousand.

“Air quality can be improved by modernizing transport infrastructure and increasing green areas. Essential conditions are planting of trees with high absorption capacity, creation of irrigation systems. We propose to improve water and soil quality by developing recycling of production and consumption waste and strengthening the legislative framework. We also consider transition to renewable energy and modernization of heating systems as priority directions for Tashkent.

I see my career growth in ecology, and a Master's degree from INRTU will increase my chances of working in ministries and public organizations in Uzbekistan that deal with sustainable urban development”, stated Alexandra Abdurakhmonova-Vasilieva.