Oleksiy Zagrebaev, Deputy Head of Kolachevsky Mine for Engineering of Central Iron Ore Enrichment Works, is a recognised professional and extremely experienced employee who, thanks to his development and passion for his work, in 2023 became a deserved recipient of the company's highest award, the Metinvest Gold Star.
The priceless experience
Oleksiy started his career after graduating from Kryvyi Rih Technical University with a degree in metal-cutting machines and equipment. While working at JSC "KZRK" Machinery and Repair Plant, Gvardіyska Mine (now Kozatska), and Sandvik Company, he continuously gained experience and actively consolidated his skills in the field of mechanical systems and equipment. Always open to new ideas, ready to realise his full potential, the specialist quickly moved up the career ladder. He was a turner, fitter, mechanical engineer, a deputy and the chief mine mechanical engineer, a service engineer and the chief engineer of the service department.
One of the highlights of Oleksiy's professional career was joining the team of Kolachevsky Mine in 2020. He started as the chief mechanical engineer. He soon became appreciated by his colleagues and management for his abilities and creative approach to solving complex issues. In 2021, he was appointed the deputy head of the mine for engineering.
24/7
"My area of responsibility is the electromechanical service," says Oleksiy Zagrebaev. "We focus all our efforts on the serviceability of the mine's process equipment and its trouble-free and efficient operation. It includes complexes: crushing and dosing, mining, internal mine transport and mine hoisting. In total, these are more than 500 pieces of mining equipment. We pay special attention to preventive maintenance to ensure that all of it operates reliably and smoothly. After all, preventing malfunctions and regular maintenance helps avoid unexpected breakdowns and the significant costs that can be associated with repairing or replacing equipment. This approach makes it possible to improve the efficiency of the work processes, ensures 24/7 operation of the mine and reduces the impact of equipment failures on overall productivity. We are always focused on self-improvement and finding new ways to optimise the processes. The study of new technologies, methods and solutions allows us to expand our expertise and apply it in practice, thereby benefiting the shop."
One of the successful measures initiated by the specialist helped modernise the drilling module of a Sandvik machine. Oleksiy personally developed the design and technical documentation for the replacement of hinged elements of the equipment, which were about to expire. Based on a step-by-step map for restoring hinged elements suggested by Zagrebayev, they were manufactured and installed on the drilling equipment by one of the contractors. The economic effect was over UAH 1 million.
It should be noted that thanks to the proposed optimisation solutions, in 2022, the highest technical availability rate of the mine's skip unit was achieved at 82%.
Overcoming obstacles
Today, Oleksiy Zagrebaev is full of new ideas, and he transforms his vast experience into relevant and effective measures that help improve and secure the production process, the work of colleagues and equipment.
Oleksiy's personal expertise and unconventional approach to the business helped him find an effective solution to safely ascend miners to the surface in case of blackouts. Due to rocket attacks on Kryvyi Rih, the Kolachevsky mine repeatedly suffered blackouts during which people were underground. Oleksiy Zagrebaev found an effective method for such a case. Together with his team, he managed to develop and implement a braking system for the hoisting unit that ensured the safe descent and ascent of miners, as well as accurately calculate the lowering of the cage to the required underground level where specialists were located. Thanks to that solution, more than 300 mine employees have been safely and quickly brought to the surface.
The purpose and meaning of life
Oleksiy Zagrebaev had inherited his dedication and respect for mining work from his father, who had worked as an electric locomotive driver and fitter at a Kryvyi Rih mine a lifetime.
"My father probably influenced my outlook and my desire to assert myself in the same field of activity by his personal example," says Oleksiy. "That is why love for the mine was inevitable. I consider my work a calling of fate. This is what I appreciate, know and can do. My business is not just a set of professional duties, it is the true purpose and meaning of life."
The deputy head of the mine for engineering always strives to acquire new skills and knowledge and is open to challenges. Realising professional opportunities is also a challenge for Oleksiy, which gives him energy and motivation for further achievements. One of the most important, of course, is Metinvest's highest corporate award, the Metinvest Gold Star. This award only confirms that Oleksiy Zagrebaev is not only a technical specialist, but also a leader who feels great responsibility for the team and the overall result.
According to his colleagues, Oleksiy Zagrebaev always creates a favourable working environment where every employee has the opportunity to realise their potential and make their own contribution to the work. His leadership skills and ability to motivate the team enable to achieve high results and confidently move towards new goals. By his personal example, he engages and inspires the mine's employees to continuously improve the system of organising and performing repairs, and implements preventive measures to prevent production from ceasing. Over the years of his work, he has become a mentor and the leader for 126 employees of the mine's engineering service, continuously motivating them to grow professionally, master related professions and get further education.
The secret to the success
Oleksiy Zagrebaev's main motivation is his family - his wife and son. This is his inexhaustible source of strength and inspiration, which gives him confidence and encourages him to reach new professional heights.
"I'm a happy person because I have everything I need to be - the job I love, my wonderful family,
and my great colleagues," says the Metinvest Gold Star winner. "Unconditional support and understanding allows me to focus on my professional efforts and give myself to my work fully. My family is my support, my main motivation in life and career. And my colleagues are like the second family, the dedicated team of like-minded people!"
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