FROM SKILL TO RECOGNITION: THE NATIONAL GOLDEN HEPHAESTUS COMPETITION BRINGS TOGETHER THE BEST IN THE MMC

Written on 28 March 2024.

THE BASIS OF ANY PROFESSION IN THE MODERN WORLD IS PEOPLE. THE METALLURGIST, PITMAN AND MINER PROFESSIONS ARE SOMETIMES UNDERVALUED, THESE SPECIALIZATIONS ARE THE CORNERSTONE OF THE INDUSTRIAL WORLD, A REMINDER THAT AT THE HEART OF ANY PROFESSION ARE HUMAN RESOURCES, THE SKILL OF PEOPLE, THEIR WORK AND DEDICATION. PROFESSIONALISM HERE MEANS DEEP RESPECT FOR YOUR CRAFT, AWARENESS OF ITS IMPORTANCE NOT ONLY FOR YOUR OWN ENTERPRISE, BUT ALSO FOR THE ECONOMY OF THE COUNTRY AS A WHOLE.

On June 6, 2024, Astana city will host the 14th National Mining and Metallurgical Industry Golden Hephaestus Competition, which is held annually within the framework of the Astana Mining & Metallurgy (AMM) Congress, and is the most revered award of republican significance for mining and metallurgy specialists.

The MMC is considered a reliable support of the Kazakhstani economy and forms up to 10% of the GDP of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The high qualifications and hard work of the employees are reflected in the rapid development of the industry, and professionals in this industry deserve the most prestigious award for their work. That is why the industry Golden Hephaestus competition, organized with the support of the Ministry of Industry and Construction of the Republic of Kazakhstan and Eurasian Resources Group (ERG), the General Partner of the event, is especially significant for the participants and has no analogues in the industry.

Participation in the competition is free of charge in an online format. The collection of applications is already open and will last until May 20. From May 20 to 28, independent experts from relevant associations and the Ministry as part of the jury will review applications submitted for the competition and select the best specialists in the MMC in 14 different nominations.

Candidates for participation in the competition can be nominated both by teams of organizations and by self-nomination, which makes participation even more accessible. The application can be submitted on the competition website. The competition provides an opportunity for participants to confirm their professionalism, increase their competitiveness and gain motivation for continuous growth.

The 2024 competition will feature further innovations aimed at further popularizing industry professions. The number of nominations will remain the same:

1. Professional of the Year (Geologist of the Year, Miner of the Year, Metallurgist of the Year, Pitman of the Year, Processor of the Year and Women in the MMC);
2. Best social project;
3. Leader of the Year in industrial safety;
4. Mentor of the Year;
5. Teacher of the Year;
6. Graduate thesis of the year;
7. Media project of the Year –Best journalistic work about the MMC in print and Internet resources;
8. Media project of the Year – Best journalistic work about the MMC on TV;
9. The best digital solution in the MMC - a special nomination from Eurasian Resources Group (ERG), the General Partner of the Award

10. Best ESG Strategy

Another innovation will be an increase in prize awards in a number of nominations: Graduate thesis work of the Year - 300,000 KZT, Teacher of the Year - 500,000 KZT, Best journalistic work about the mining and metallurgical complex in the press - 300,000 KZT, Best journalistic work about the mining and metallurgical complex on TV - 300,000 KZT. This is a rare opportunity for journalists writing about the mining and metallurgical industry in the Republic of Kazakhstan, specialists from design, scientific, educational institutions and enterprises to become owners of a valuable republican award in one of the most important areas and to make a contribution to science. It is for this purpose that a press breakfast will be organized specifically for journalists taking part as laureates of the Competition, as well as writing about the mining and metals industry, to improve the interaction of PR departments of subsoil users with the media. The relationship between PR departments and the media is beneficial for wide coverage of information about the mining and metallurgical industry, obtaining unique materials and forming a positive public opinion about the importance of the industry.

Also, on the 2nd day of the AMM Congress, a session will be held in the Amphitheater area where the winners of the Golden Hephaestus Competition will be able to share the secret of their success, pass on practical advice to the younger generation and talk about their experiences that helped them achieve high results in their profession. This session will be a unique opportunity for aspiring specialists and students to gain valuable first-hand knowledge, learn about the latest technologies and work methods used by industry leaders. The organizers of the AMM Congress pay special attention to the support and development of young talent, believing that the exchange of experience between generations is the key to progress and innovation in metallurgy and related fields.

We invite all specialists working in the mining and metallurgical sector to participate in the competition, take the opportunity to show your professional skills and receive a well-deserved assessment of your work.

Detailed information is available on the website: https://miningtalents.kz/ru/apply