The mining and metallurgy complex (MMC) has the potential to become a symbol of Ukraine's revival - the industry has always been a pillar of the economy, stated Alexander Povazhny, rector of the first non-state mining and metallurgy university "Metinvest Polytechnic", during the second international conference "MININGMETALTECH 2024 – MMC: integration of business, technology, and education," which took place online on November 28-29.
"The mining and metallurgy sector has always been a foundation of the economy, but today it has the chance to become a symbol of revival. It is not just the backbone of infrastructure but also one of the main export sectors that ensures the economic stability of the state. I am confident that the combination of science, business, and education will create conditions for the sustainable development of the industry, and consequently, for Ukraine's successful future," remarked the university rector.
He also emphasized that the integration of these three components is fundamental for the transformation of the industry. Education plays a crucial role in this process. The university aims to prepare a new generation of professionals capable of not only effectively responding to modern challenges but also implementing innovations that contribute to the modernization of the mining and metallurgy complex.
The event gathered over 200 participants, including top managers from "Metinvest" and its enterprises, leading scientists from Ukraine and Bulgaria, as well as representatives from technical universities in Kyiv, Zaporizhia, Kryvyi Rih, Kremenchuk, Vinnytsia, Kharkiv, Dnipro, Lviv, and other cities.
The conference served as a platform for sharing experiences and collaboratively seeking solutions aimed at restoring Ukraine through the integration of science into production processes. Participants discussed key development directions for the industry: the implementation of energy and resource-saving technologies, production digitalization, environmental and economic aspects, enhancing operational efficiency, and transforming engineering education. Special attention was given to the green transition of Ukrainian metallurgy, the introduction of new direct iron reduction technologies, and eco-friendly practices.
During the plenary session, Tatiana Petruk, Director of Sustainable Development and Personnel Interaction at "Metinvest," spoke about the situation at the company's enterprises, their contributions to supporting Ukraine, and outlined the group's development priorities for 2025.
"For me, 'Metinvest Polytechnic' is more than just a university. It is the backbone of 'Metinvest,' a forge of qualified engineering personnel, who, unfortunately, are currently in high demand in the labor market," she stated.
Petruk noted that the company's priority is its employees. In particular, "Metinvest" is developing a veteran adaptation program that assists them in integrating into civilian life by offering new opportunities for education and professional development. According to her, the labor shortage in the company encourages "Metinvest" to invest more actively in education and training new specialists. In this regard, "Metinvest Polytechnic" plays an essential role in training highly qualified specialists who will strengthen the company's workforce and the industry as a whole in the future.