Department of Geology

About the Department

The Department of Geology is the centre of expertise in geology, mineral resources, and mining at TalTech. Our researchers focus on bedrock geology, paleoenvironments, mineral resources, mining engineering and circular economy. We are responsible for study programmes on Earth systems and georesources, host various labs and the largest geocollections in Estonia.

Research groups

Our researchers are involved in palaeoclimate and environmental research, mineral resources, geochemistry, palaeontology, marine geology, hydrogeology and other geosciences.

Studies

The Department of Geology is responsible for bachelor's and master's degree programmes in mineral resources (in Estonian, for now), the aim of which is to train geologists and mining engineers. Doctoral studies in geology and geotechnology are part of the curriculum of physical sciences.

Geoseminars

Weekly Department seminars are free to attend, either on-site or on-line.

Our laboratories

The Department's modern laboratories support research and teaching and are able to provide various services also outside the university.

Our Projects

The Department participates in a number of local and international research projects.

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a group of people against the background of a stone wall

In front of the stone barn at Särghaua. Autumn Days 2024. Photo: Gennadi Baranov.

On October 31, the active team of TalTech Department of Geology gathered at the Särghaua Earth Sciences Centre for a general meeting and to discuss the future of the centre. Many great ideas were recorded, paving the way for future steps toward their realisation. A big thanks to everyone who contributed their thoughts—and especially the chefs! Until next year!

17th Greenhouse Gas Control Technology Conference (GHGT) in Calgary, Canada, October 20-24

Alla Shogenova from the TalTech Department of Geology attended the 17th biannual Greenhouse Gas Control Technology Conference (GHGT-17), held October 20-24 in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. The conference focused on CO₂ capture, utilization, and geological storage (CCUS) and gathered approximately 1,500 researchers, industry leaders, policymakers, and technology providers from around the world to explore advancements, future scenarios, and strategies for greenhouse gas mitigation.

Over four days, the event featured more than 350 oral presentations and 500 poster presentations across 71 technical sessions. Each day began with keynote addresses by leading researchers, policymakers, and industry experts, followed by panel discussions, technical and business sessions, and social events, enriching the GHGT-17 experience for all attendees.

Panel Discussion. Photo: A. Shogenova

Baltic Carbon Forum 2024, Vilnius, 3-4 October

On October 3-4, Alla Shogenova and Kazbulat Shogenov actively participated in the annual Baltic Carbon Forum, held this year in Vilnius. The forum gathered Lithuanian and Baltic policymakers, NGOs, industry experts, and academic representatives who presented and discussed key topics on CCUS policies, technologies, business models, and regulatory and social perspectives.

Alla Shogenova, from the TalTech Department of Geology and a BASRECCS Board Member, served as the convener for Sessions 1 & 2 on October 3. She also co-authored a presentation on the Baltic CCS scenario involving direct injection from ships, delivered by Kazbulat Shogenov (TalTech & SHOGenergy) in Session 4, where he contributed to the discussion as a panelist.

The presentations and posters from BCF 2024 are now available online at https://baltic-carbon-forum.com/2024/schedule/ and https://bcforum.net/forum.php, along with materials from past BCF events.