The Councils of Retirees of Northern, Central, and Ingulets Iron Ore Plants conducted celebratory meetings to congratulate 64 respected jubilarians – former employees of mining enterprises.
It is worth noting that this year the enterprises have commenced a new tradition of honouring jubilarian longevity celebrants who have turned 80, 90, 95 or 100 years old – employees who participated in the establishment and development of the plants, worked for many years and took part in the implementation of significant projects, and were involved in important professional achievements.
The guests of the ceremonial meetings were heads of the primary organisations of the PMGU, representatives of the Iron Ore Plants' administration and the "Respectable Age" Charitable Foundation. Each jubilarian received a gift certificate for the ATB shop network from the company and the Charitable Foundation. Those who were not able to be present received their gifts via relatives with their consent.
"This tradition in the company is another opportunity to thank our elder and wise colleagues, creators of the plants' history, witnesses of the records and important victories of that time, determined professionals who are dedicated to their work. Our retirees deserve the warmest words and the most sincere gratitude for their contribution to the establishment and development of our plants. Strong health to these golden people, peaceful years of life, peaceful skies, and victory as soon as possible," said Andrii SHCHERBAK, Director for Personnel and Social Issues of Metinvest Iron Ore Plants.
"We were greeted so nicely!"
The event at Northern Iron Ore was conducted in the museum's shelter. The musical accompaniment for the event was provided by the creative ensemble "Pivnichanka." The event host, Tetiana SHELUDKO, curator of the Museum of Labour Glory at Northern Iron Ore, said:
"This time we greeted 32 retirees of Northern Iron Ore – jubilarians celebrating in April, May, and June. Sixteen of them were able to attend personally, instead of ten others their children came, and we congratulated another six jubilarians at their homes with their consent. All of them are united by a shared labour biography – many years of work at the plant. I was convinced once again that such meetings are very much needed by these people, because they are a sign for them that they are remembered. Moreover, they show our appreciation and respect for their work, efforts, and achievements, and their many years of dedication to the mining industry."
Among the guests was Valentyna LEVCHENKO, who celebrated her 90th birthday in May 2025. She worked as a senior storekeeper in the pelletising shop No. 2 at Northern Iron Ore.
"The invitation to the meeting was a great surprise for me," said Valentyna Levchenko. "It sparked so many memories about my young years of life and work. Everything was so beautiful! I liked it very much. At 90 years old, it is so important to understand that people still remember you, invite you, and give you presents. And such a prestigious choir performed for us, they sang such beautiful songs! This is all great happiness for the heart. I wish everyone peace as soon as possible and health for many, many years. I am already in my 91st year, but I still want to live. The secret of longevity is one – cherish your soul and be good to others."
"It is pleasing that they do not forget"
At Ingulets Plant, they congratulated 18 retiree jubilarians. Valerii TRUNOV recently celebrated his 80th birthday: he devoted 31 years of work to the profession of duty fitter, working at the second ore processing plant.
"Remembering history and those who gave years of work to the enterprise is right, that is how it should be," says Valerii Trunov. "I recall my plant often. I always loved my work, my profession. Sometimes I cannot believe that I worked for so many years. Now I continue to follow the news. Of course, when you were involved for so many years... The war continues, and unfortunately, our plant is currently idle. But may it not be for long, so that the open-pit mines, shops and plants work at full capacity again."
"Such events are like a breath of fresh air"
A special meeting day was also organised for 14 former employees – retirees of Central Iron Ore. Among them was Raisa OLEINYK, who celebrated her 80th birthday in spring. She joined the mechanical assembly shop of Central Iron Ore in 1964 as a 19-year-old girl. Later she moved to the pelletising plant as a conveyor operator, then worked there as a hot return dosing operator, and then as a control panel operator. She has many significant awards in her professional record and 32 years of work.
"Such events are like a breath of fresh air," shares Raisa Oleinyk. "They welcomed us so beautifully, so many pleasant things were remembered, I met familiar colleagues. I cannot even believe that so many years are already behind us. I loved my work so much that I did not want to go home at weekends. No matter how difficult it was as a dosing operator, I did not notice the difficulties. Everyone was focused on work, we wanted our plant to be the best. I still sometimes dream that I am working. And I remember how once they arranged a tour of the plant for us and how surprised I was when one of the current workers recognised me. It was so pleasant! I am proud that I am related to the history of the plant. May peace come quickly, so that everyone can live and work safely."
