At one of Metinvest’s Consolidated Iron Ore, specialists conducted a comprehensive training exercise to practise coordinated staff actions in emergency situations, including those arising from combat operations. The training took place on the premises of Mining and Transport Shop No. 2 of Northern Iron Ore.
The location was chosen deliberately, as Mining and Transport Shop No. 2 is a key component of the plant’s transport system. A total of 32 heavy‑duty haul trucks are operated here, providing the transportation of rock material from the Hannivskyi open‑pit mine. The shop’s premises make it possible to efficiently accommodate the participants of the exercise and to ensure access for the required specialised equipment.
On this occasion, the training scenario was fairly complex: as a result of a UAV crash on the unit’s premises and the dispersal of debris, the equipment was de‑energised and a 6 kV overhead power line was damaged. In addition, a vehicle was on fire, and an explosive object was discovered. Several employees were reported injured. Additional conditions included a complete plant‑wide blackout, as well as a diesel fuel spill and subsequent fire.
In accordance with established procedures, the injured were evacuated with the involvement of mine rescue teams and an ambulance crew. The arrival time of the medical team was six minutes, after which the employees were transported to a medical facility.
Firefighting units were operating in parallel. They were extinguishing vehicles, controlling the spread of the flames, and monitoring smoke levels.
The departmental fire brigade unit promptly arrived at the scene and extinguished the fire using a foam solution. The workshop personnel ensured the fire brigade was promptly guided to the scene of the incident.
During the exercise, particular attention was given to practising actions to be taken in the event of the discovery of explosive objects. The personnel promptly informed the dispatcher, organised the evacuation of employees from the hazardous area, and ensured that the emergency services were met on arrival.
Under conditions of a complete power outage, the participants also rehearsed procedures for shutting down equipment, isolating power sources, and using alternative communication channels – from two‑way radios to mobile phones – and additionally verified the operating time of radio communications powered by battery units.
"All actions were performed in strict compliance with approved procedures and in adherence to the established timelines. Importantly, communication between departments and services remained continuous and clear throughout. Such training exercises make it possible to replicate real‑life conditions as closely as possible and to assess the readiness of personnel to act in crisis situations. This is critically important in an environment of constant threat," emphasised Dmytro CHYRVA, Head of HSE Directorate of Metinvest’s Iron Ore Plants.
A total of 25 people took part in the exercise. All participants demonstrated well‑coordinated teamwork, prompt decision‑making, and a high level of preparedness. The implementation of such activities remains an important component of the safety system of Metinvest’s Consolidated Iron Ore.
