GOLDEN HEPHAESTUS 2026: THE MINING AND METALLURGICAL INDUSTRY’S PREMIER PROFESSIONAL AWARD HONORS TOP SPECIALISTS AND OUTSTANDING INDUSTRY PROJECTS

ON JUNE 11, THE AWARDS CEREMONY FOR THE WINNERS OF THE 16TH NATIONAL INDUSTRY COMPETITION “GOLDEN HEPHAESTUS” HELD ANNUALLY WITHIN THE FRAMEWORK OF THE ASTANA MINING & METALLURGY 2026 INTERNATIONAL MINING AND METALLURGICAL CONGRESS, TOOK PLACE IN THE CEREMONIAL ATMOSPHERE OF THE ASTANA BALLET THEATRE.

The performances of the theatre’s artists added a special touch to the event, while Kazakhstani singer Zarina Altynbayeva, the evening’s special guest, delighted attendees with a vibrant concert program. The event was held with the support of the Ministry of Industry and Construction of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the competition’s General Partner, Eurasian Resources Group (ERG).

For sixteen years, the Golden Hephaestus Awards have remained one of the most prestigious professional awards in Kazakhstan’s mining and metallurgical sector, bringing together the industry’s leading professionals, enterprises, and organizations that make a significant contribution to the development of the national industry. The competition has gained particular importance in 2026, declared the Year of Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence in Kazakhstan. In this regard, special attention within the framework of the award was given to technological modernization of production, implementation of digital solutions, development of innovative approaches to production process management, and enhancement of the competitiveness of mining and metallurgical enterprises.

The awards ceremony was attended by Albert Pavlovich Rau, Deputy Chairman of the Mazhilis of the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan; Olzhas Saparbekovich Saparbekov, Vice-Minister of Industry and Construction of the Republic of Kazakhstan; and Daniyar Ravshanovich Rakhmatullayev, Deputy CEO for Finance of ERG in Kazakhstan. Among the guests were award nominees, executives of major mining and metallurgical enterprises, representatives of government agencies, industry associations, the scientific community, and specialized educational institutions.

Today, Golden Hephaestus is not only a symbol of professional excellence but also an important instrument for industry development. The competition traditionally attracts considerable interest from representatives of the mining and metallurgical sector. Over the years, thousands of applications from industry professionals, enterprises, and organizations have been submitted for consideration by the competition committee. In 2026, approximately 200 applications were submitted. Candidates were nominated both by labor collectives and company management, as well as through self-nomination, ensuring transparency of the competition procedures and equal opportunities for all participants.

Following the review of the competition materials, an independent jury comprising representatives of government bodies, industry associations, and the expert community selected winners in 15 nominations. The evaluation criteria included professional achievements, effectiveness of implemented projects, contribution to the development of enterprises and the industry as a whole, as well as the significance of initiatives for the sustainable development of Kazakhstan’s mining  

In 2026, the organizers updated several competition categories in line with current industry trends. In particular, the media category was divided into separate nominations for print and online resources, enabling a more objective assessment of the journalistic community’s contribution to covering developments in the mining and metallurgical industry. In addition, the ESG-focused nomination was transformed into the category “Best Project in Ecology and Water Resources”, reflecting the growing importance of environmental responsibility, rational use of natural resources, and sustainable development principles.

The winners of the Golden Hephaestus 2026 Competition are:

1. Professional of the Year. Geologist of the Year — Khismatullin Ruslan Kamilevich, Chief Geologist of the Coal Department, Karaganda Komir LLP (Qarmet);
2. Professional of the Year. Miner of the Year — Khamitov Sagyngali Sagatovich, Head of Mine Planning and Development Department, Zhairem Mining and Processing Plant (Kazzinc);
3. Professional of the Year. Underground Miner of the Year — Sabitov Murat Dyusembekovich, Load-Haul-Dump Machine Operator, Ridder Industrial Site, East Kazakhstan Mining and Processing Complex, Kazzinc LLP;
4. Professional of the Year. Mineral Processing Specialist of the Year — Tuyakbaev Zhanbulat Mrzagalievich, Chief Specialist (Mechanical Engineer), Kazakhmys Corporation LLP;
5. Professional of the Year. Metallurgist of the Year — Berg Andrey Alexandrovich, Director of the Steel Department, Qarmet JSC;
6. Professional of the Year. Women in Mining and Metallurgy — Shakenova Karlygash Toleubaevna, Leading Specialist of the Technical Department, Mineral Resources Management Division, KAZ Minerals Management LLP;
7. Best Social Project of the Year — Kazakhmys Corporation LLP, Construction and Launch of the ALEM Medical Equipment Manufacturing Plant and Production of Plastic Medical Devices;
8. Industrial Safety Leader of the Year — Krasno-Oktyabrskoye Bauxite Mining Administration Branch of Aluminium of Kazakhstan JSC, ERG;
9. Mentor of the Year — Saginbayev Bekmurat Serikbayevich, Mill Operator, KAZ Minerals Bozshakol LLP;
10. Educator of the Year — Bakytzhan Bazarbekovna Amralinova, Director of the Project Management Institute, Professor, K.I. Satbayev Kazakh National Research Technical University;
11. Thesis of the Year — Rustam Zhanabaev, Bachelor of Mining Engineering, Nazarbayev University, School of Mining and Geosciences;
12. Best Digital Solution in Mining and Metallurgy — TNK Kazchrome JSC, Braking Verification System on Donskoy Mining and Processing Plant Quarry Ramps;
13. Best Project in Ecology and Water Resources — Kazakhmys Corporation LLP. Systemic Environmental Transformation of Kazakhmys: Preservation of Lake Balkhash, Decarbonization, Best Available Techniques (BAT), and Circular Economy;
14. Media Project of the Year. Best Print Journalism Coverage of the Mining and Metallurgical Industry — Dostan Barkhiyanovich Yeldesov, Republican Social and Political Newspaper “Qazaq Uni”;
15. Media Project of the Year. Best Online Journalism Coverage of the Mining and Metallurgical Industry — Dias Yerzhanuly Baimukhamedov, MEDIA HOLDING Atameken Business LLP.

Issues related to innovation implementation, industrial safety, human capital development, and environmental responsibility traditionally occupy a special place on the competition’s agenda. The projects presented within the competition clearly demonstrated the commitment of domestic enterprises to improving production efficiency, introducing modern technologies, and implementing sustainable development principles.

The ceremonial atmosphere of the evening was complemented by an extensive cultural program featuring performances by Astana Ballet artists and special guests of the event.

Golden Hephaestus continues to fulfill its important mission of promoting professions in the mining and metallurgical industry, supporting talented specialists, and disseminating best production practices. Year after year, the competition confirms the high level of professionalism among Kazakhstan’s workforce and demonstrates the industry’s readiness for further technological development, innovation implementation, and the achievement of strategic objectives of the national economy.

The Golden Hephaestus Competition is held within the framework of the Astana Mining & Metallurgy International Mining and Metallurgical Congress. The event is organized by the Kazakhstani exhibition company Iteca and its international partner, ICA Events Group.