News

On March 12, Azerbaijan State Oil and Industry University (ASOIU) held a seminar on “Enhancing the Role of Women in the Mining Industry” in collaboration with Türkiye’s TETHYS company.

Prior to the seminar, ASOIU’s Rector, Assoc. Prof. Rufat Azizov, met with professors from Istanbul Technical University (ITU), who were visiting the university. Welcoming the guests, the rector highlighted ASOIU’s international collaborations and potential cooperation opportunities with Turkish universities, particularly with the prestigious Istanbul Technical University.

Expressing their satisfaction with their visit to ASOIU—one of Azerbaijan’s oldest higher education institutions—the guests provided detailed information about their respective universities and TETHYS. They also discussed the expansion of university-industry collaboration, joint research initiatives in the mining sector, and the effective utilization of these studies.

During the seminar, distinguished speakers shared their insights on key industry trends: Prof. Dr. Leyla Keser Berber, Chair of TETHYS, spoke about “Global Resource Security Trends and the Impact of Changing Geopolitical and Economic Conditions on the Mining Industry,” Prof. Dr. Mustafa Kumral, Dean of ITU’s Faculty of Mining, discussed “Sustainable Supply Chain Strategies, Responsible Mining Practices, Circular Economy Models, and Innovations in Extraction and Processing”, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tuna Esen elaborated on “The Role of Academia and International Cooperation in Training a New Generation of Mining Specialists and Strengthening the Industry’s Human Capital.”

Additionally, ASOIU’s faculty members, including Prof. Yunis Gahramanli, Head of the Department of Chemistry and Inorganic Substances Technology, and Prof. Zarifa Afandiyeva, Head of the Department of Geology and Development of Mineral Deposits, actively participated in panel discussions. They shared their expertise on current industry challenges and possible solutions.

A key outcome of the seminar was the focus on strengthening academic collaboration between ASOIU and ITU’s Faculty of Mining, expanding joint research projects, and enhancing student exchange programs.

Discussions also emphasized the importance of responsible resource management, the impact of geopolitical shifts on the sector, and academia’s role in shaping the future of mining.

The event brought together leading academics, industry experts, and policymakers to explore ways to enhance regional cooperation in mining and ensure a secure, sustainable, and ethical supply chain amid rising global demand for critical raw materials.

At the end of the seminar, the guests visited ASOIU’s History Museum, where they viewed various exhibits, and the Mineralogy Museum, where they received detailed information about different minerals, their chemical composition, and their sources.