Associate Professor
Nazarbayev University
Dr. Sergei Sabanov began his career 1992 working in underground oil shale mines in Estonia before completing his PhD in Mining Engineering in 2008. Dr. Sabanov has carried out multiple projects and taught simultaneously, monitored technical progress and reported to both the university and mining companies, as well as regulatory and technical review boards.
Dr. Sabanov’s industry experience in resource and reserve assessment, mine ventilation, mine optimisation, production design and planning, drilling and blasting, maintenance and automation, mine closure, sustainable mining and mining risk management has enabled him to understand the detailed requirements of mining companies for mining professionals.
Dr. Sabanov is responsible for implementing students’ theoretical knowledge into industrial practice, and optimizing the curriculum for the real operation of mining projects. He uses a variety of innovative teaching methods and technologies that encourage classroom engagement and demonstrates comprehensive expertise in his teaching. Dr. Sabanov also utilizes a state-of-the-art ventilation research laboratory and a large array of computer software.
Kazakhstan's potential energy resources project estimations
Kazakhstan is a vast and geologically diverse region and has long been known for its significant coal reserves, which play a critical role in the region’s energy landscape. While oil shale deposits range from explored to relatively unexplored and are the subject of limited research and analysis, the country’s oil shale deposits are known to be of medium quality with moderate heating value and oil content. Despite the promising nature of these resources, their development has not yet reached any exploitation stages. An analysis of the prospects for oil shale in Kazakhstan has identified several key factors that influence the viability of their use. These include the type and quality of oil shale, as well as the tonnage of recoverable reserves and the depth of extraction. The relationships between ash, heating value and oil content have been studied, providing valuable insights into the potential uses of these resources.
Risk management for sustainable mining in Kazakhstan
Risk management in sustainable mining practices is critical for Kazakhstan, a country rich in mineral resources.
The mining sector is a cornerstone of Kazakhstan’s economy, making a significant contribution to GDP and employment. However, the environmental impacts of mining activities, including pollution and resource depletion, require a robust risk management framework that is aligned with sustainable development goals.
Effective risk management for sustainable mining in Kazakhstan requires an integrated approach that encompasses technological innovation, rigorous environmental assessments, and proactive health and water management. By adopting these strategies, Kazakhstan can enhance the sustainable development of its mining sector while addressing the environmental and social challenges it faces.
