APPLICATIONS OPEN FOR PARTICIPATION IN THE INDUSTRY AWARD 'GOLDEN HEPHAESTUS' IN THE FIELD OF MMC

IN KAZAKHSTAN, APPLICATIONS HAVE STARTED FOR THE INDUSTRY AWARD 'GOLDEN HEPHAESTUS' — ONE OF THE KEY PROFESSIONAL AWARDS IN THE COUNTRY'S MINING AND METALLURGICAL COMPLEX.

The award traditionally brings together the best specialists, companies, projects, and initiatives shaping the present and future of the MMC.

The year 2026 has been declared the Year of Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence in Kazakhstan. The corresponding Decree was signed by the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev on January 6, 2026. This agenda is directly reflected in the philosophy of the 'Golden Hephaestus' award, which this year places special emphasis on practical innovations, digital solutions, and technological development of the industry.

The award covers 15 nominations, reflecting the comprehensive nature of the MMC — from production and scientific achievements to education, industrial safety, media, and social initiatives. Participation in the competition is an opportunity to demonstrate the level of professionalism, present real cases, and receive well-deserved recognition from the industry community.

Professionals and projects shaping the industry

In the 'Professional of the Year' nomination, awards will be given:

• Geologist of the Year;
• Miner of the Year;
• Metallurgist of the Year;
• Miner of the Year;
• Enricher of the Year;
• Women in MMC.

These nominations emphasize the value of basic production professions and the real contribution of specialists working daily in the industry's enterprises.

Achievements will also be recognized in the nominations:

• Best Social Project;
• Leader of the Year in Industrial Safety;
• Mentor of the Year;
• Teacher of the Year;
• Thesis of the Year;
• Best Digital Solution in MMC (special nomination from the General Partner — ERG).

Updated nominations: focus on digital reality and practice

In 2026, the award updates the block of media nominations, reflecting changes in media consumption and industry priorities.

The nomination 'Media Project of the Year. Best Journalistic Work about MMC on TV' is abolished. The television format as an independent channel is losing effectiveness and reach today: virtually all TV content is duplicated on digital platforms — primarily on YouTube and the channels' own websites, where the main audience is formed. In this regard, the nomination 'Media Project of the Year. Best Journalistic Work about MMC in Print and Internet Resources'

is divided into two separate categories:

• 'Media Project of the Year. Best Journalistic Work about MMC in Print'

Print, industry, and regional publications maintain a high level of analytics, expertise, and local agenda, remaining an important source of professional content for the MMC.

• 'Media Project of the Year. Best Journalistic Work about MMC in Internet Resources'

This category includes media websites, specialized portals, and video platforms. It is here that the main media consumption is concentrated today, and TV projects that have found a second life in the digital environment, including YouTube, logically belong here.

In addition, the nomination 'Best ESG Strategy' is reformatted into

'Best Project in the Field of Ecology and Water Resources.'

The environmental and water agenda is one of the most sensitive and priority areas for the state, industry regulators, and the professional community today. The new format of the nomination will allow for the targeted recognition of practical, applied cases, increase the relevance of applications, and interest companies in participation.

Key dates of the 'Golden Hephaestus – 2026' award

• Application period: January 30 – May 25
• Voting: May 26 – June 3
• Award ceremony: June 11
• Venue: Congress Center, Astana.

'Golden Hephaestus' is not just an award. It is a platform for recognition, where industry leadership standards are formed, best practices and new names are identified, and professional achievements receive deserved evaluation.

The award is held with the support of the Ministry of Industry and Construction of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the General Partner — ERG (Eurasian Group).

Applications are open. Hurry to declare yourself and show a level of professionalism worthy of the highest industry award.