RECOGNITION OF EACH EMPLOYEE’S COMPETENCE – A KEY FACTOR IN MOTIVATING KAZAKHSTAN’S ENTIRE MMC TO DEVELOP

WHO ARE THEY – THE PEOPLE OF THE MOST COMPLICATED, BUT VERY IMPORTANT AND RESPONSIBLE PROFESSIONS ENGAGED IN THE MMC? WHAT ARE THEIR HOBBIES, WHAT DO THEY LOVE ABOUT THEIR JOBS, AND WHY DO THEY MAKE AN ENTIRE COUNTRY TO BE PROUD OF THEM?

We will find out the answers to these questions and the names worthy of a well-deserved professional award on June 2 in Astana at the 13th National Mining & Metallurgy Industry Competition “Golden Hephaestus”, which is held annually during the Astana Mining & Metallurgy Congress (AMM) and is rightfully regarded as one of the most eagerly awaited industry events.

Today there are more than 600 mining and metallurgical companies operating in the MMC, with more than 273,000 employees in the industry at the beginning of 2022 (Source). Their contribution to the development of the industry, to the increase in productivity and to the further growth potential of MMC is invaluable and deserves public recognition. That is why the industry competition “Golden Hephaestus”, organized with the support of the Ministry of Industry and Infrastructure Development of Kazakhstan and the General Partner of the event – ERG (Eurasian Group), is so revered among manufacturers.

Authoritative industry experts and representatives of supervising government agencies, as part of the annual competent jury will consider all submissions to the competition (more than 200 applications from more than 50 companies in 2022) and select the best professionals in the mining and metallurgical industry. As part of the Golden Hephaestus competition in 2023, 15 nominations have been approved, three of which are all new, which will increase the number of worthy winners, whose work will be appreciated and noticed on merit.

Traditionally, there will be four annual awards in the Professional of the Year nomination - Geologist of the Year, Gornyak of the Year, Metallurgist of the Year and Miner of the Year.  And, for the first time, a new nomination “Professional of the Year.  Processor of the Year” is established in this year.  It is represented by professionals-practitioners in the field of mineral processing, with extensive practical experience and highly professional work experience in manufacturing, commercial or governmental organization for the processing of mineral resources and technogenic mineral formations.

In the nomination “Professional of the Year.  Women in the MMC” will be represented by female representatives, whose professional activity serves as an example for their colleagues and is worthy of encouragement by the professional community.  The issue of gender equality in relation to employment and career development is not only an integral part of the ESG sustainable corporate development strategy, which is adhered to by all major market players, but also one of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs No. 5), which Kazakhstan has committed to strive to achieve.

“The Best Social Project of the Year” is another new nomination. Kazakhstan's market leaders in the field of MMC annually make huge investments to develop and maintain both their own social initiatives and support government programs. Starting in 2023, the organizing committee of the competition decided to add this nomination, taking into account the importance of involvement and participation of companies in the industry in issues of social campaigns.

Professionals in the field of geology, mining and metallurgy, employees of design, scientific, educational institutions and enterprises, journalists who write about mining and metallurgical industry in the Republic of Kazakhstan, will also compete for the victory in the following nominations: “Industrial Safety Leader of the Year”, “The Best Digital Solution in MMC” (special nomination from General Partner - ERG), “Teacher of the Year”, “Thesis of the Year”, “Media Project of the Year. The Best Journalistic Work about MMC in print and online resources”, “Media Project of the Year. The Best Journalistic Work about MMC on TV”, “The Best ESG Strategy”.

“The Mentor of the Year” nomination is new, but extremely important for maintaining the importance and value of the profession to the younger generation. The purpose of the nomination is to recognize the achievements of people who have made a significant contribution to the development of mining, metallurgy, manufacturing and other related industries, who have long been a role model for their colleagues, and who are active in social and educational activities.

The competition is free of charge in electronic format, while the winners of some nominations get a monetary reward. The students have the opportunity to do internships in major companies, and the journalists' articles will be published in international publications. The application process is already open and will last until May 12.

We invite all interested specialists, somehow involved in the MMC sector, to participate in the competition, so that your work and high level of expertise will be rewarded!

For more information, visit: https://amm.kz/ru/konkurs-zolotoj-gefest/kriterii-otsenki-i-spisok-dokumentov