Avellana Gold and the Faculty of Geology of the Ivan Franko National University of Lviv (LNU) have started implementing new joint initiatives envisaged by the Memorandum of Cooperation. The first stage of this partnership was an educational and practical visit of students and lecturers of the Department of Mineralogy, Petrology and Geochemistry named after Professor Orest Matkovskyi to the company’s Muzhiievo deposit.

This visit marks the beginning of the "Field Geological Practice Diaries" series – an Avellana Gold initiative aimed at maximizing the practical component of professional education.

During the visit, students familiarized themselves with the full production cycle, from geological modeling and resource estimation to ore beneficiation technologies. Avellana Gold specialists demonstrated modern methods of working with block models of the deposit and showcased a collection of mineralogical samples.

The practical segment included an examination of the object’s geological structure directly within the underground mining workings. Following a mandatory health and safety briefing, the group visited the adit to study the mineralogical features of the deposit.

This experience allowed the students to supplement their educational collections with rock samples, which will serve as the basis for further scientific descriptions and applied research within their academic program.

The Faculty of Geology of the Ivan Franko National University of Lviv expressed its gratitude for the organization and conduct of the study tour to: Andriy Smolin, Head of the Ukrainian representative office of Avellana Gold; Mykhailo Kostyuchenko, Chief Geologist of the company and a 1983 graduate of the LNU Faculty of Geology; and Ihor Slivinskyi, a 2021 graduate of the faculty and PhD student at the Department of Mineralogy, Petrography, and Geochemistry named after Professor Orest Matkovsky.

The visit and the signing of the Memorandum are a logical continuation of the cooperation already established between the company and the university. A wide range of joint initiatives is planned for the future, including regular industrial internships for students at Avellana Gold sites, field geological schools, study visits, lectures, seminars, and masterclasses, as well as support for student scientific projects and research programs.

The collaboration also involves the introduction of modern educational formats, such as case championships, hackathons, simulation training, and scientific paper competitions, which will allow students to gain practical experience in solving real-world production tasks and better prepare for careers in the mining and geological industry.

For Avellana Gold, the development of human capital, support for education, and the training of a new generation of specialists are key components of the company’s sustainable development. The partnership with the Faculty of Geology of LNU will contribute to the formation of a modern system of geological education in Ukraine, the development of industry-specific science, and the strengthening of the professional talent pool in the mining sector.