The gold star has become a true highlight in the already extensive array of awards held by 37-year-old Ivan Kovtun, head of the drilling site at Northern Iron Ore's Pershotravnevyi open-pit mine. He has been working at the plant for 12 years. Since 2013, the miner's achievements have been recognised annually at various levels: with certificates of merit from the company's general directors, letters of appreciation from Metinvest Group's CEO, Northern Iron Ore's Man of the Year award, acknowledgements from the district and the city, among others. Ivan has twice been selected as a prize winner at the International Mining and Metals Science and Technology Conference in Mariupol and Zaporizhzhia.
He is well-known at the plant as an innovator, experimenter, and inventor. Ivan's numerous ideas help the company save millions, increase the operational reliability of drilling equipment, as well as improve both working conditions and workplace safety for miners.
Ivan Kovtun has led the mine's drilling site for 7 years, and, according to the management, the site has one of the best production sites of the mining and processing plant in Kryvyi Rih over this time. Ivan has gained a reputation as a leading expert in drilling and operation of drilling equipment.
Ivan Kovtun's innovations led to an increase in the drilling equipment performance by 11%, a gain that has been factored into the 2024 Business Plan. He proved the feasibility of refurbishing drilling tools of the machines, which resulted in a significant economic benefit. The innovator also organised tests of drilling chemicals in the open pit mine-marking the first time such experiments were conducted in Ukraine to enhance the performance of drill bits. In collaboration with "Epiroc Ukraine", Ivan organised the use of a drilling additive for lubricating and cooling of bits, extending their service life by up to 50%. Ivan's initiative to reuse purified hydraulic oil and upgrade sealing sleeves helped reduce drilling equipment maintenance costs.
Ivan also developed a project to set up a room for shift changeover meetings of the site team. This greatly improved the miners' workplace welfare, created a conducive environment for effective training, and ensured overall comfort, all of which further motivates employees to work productively as a team.
Ivan always places great emphasis on health and safety. Thanks to the initiative and efforts of the site head, a safe area for the repair and maintenance of drilling equipment was established in the open-pit mine. Separate repair areas and amenities were set up there. Additionally, Ivan implemented the project "The Territory of Safety Starts with You". As part of this project, new types of information and warning signs were installed on drilling equipment to remind employees of the importance of safety in the open-pit mine.
Ivan pays a lot of attention to employee development. He co-authored an educational film on preventive maintenance for drilling rigs and another film in the My Profession series about the role of a drilling rig operator in an open pit mine. The latter also serves a career guidance purpose, motivating young people to pursue this respected profession. Ivan Volodymyrovych is both a professional training instructor and a mentor to many young professionals.
"It is a great honour for me to receive such a distinguished award," says Ivan KOVTUN, an awardee of the Gold Star Award. "This is a gratifying reward of my years of work and an affirmation of the value and relevance of my many years of work. It also serves as a strong motivation to continue improving and bringing value to the company and the team. Yes, I have received many awards, but this one is special. It was a great pleasure to receive it directly from Yuriy Ryzhenkov, CEO of Metinvest. That is truly inspiring! However, this award will always carry a bittersweet feeling given to the recent tragic events at the plant. Northern Iron Ore has long been like a second home to me, and the team is like a second family. They say no man is an island. This award is not all about my efforts. It is about the knowledge I first gained from my mentors during my early days at the Hannivskyi open-pit mine. It is about experience, ideas, and hands of many of my colleagues here at the Pershotravnevyi open pit mine. Teamwork is not just a buzzword. Significant results are only possible with daily, all-round support from fellow miners, a shared focus on common goals, and continuous self-improvement. This Gold Star has been made possible by the great contribution and patience of my parents, as well as my wife and son. Throughout all these years, they have been passionately supporting me – helping, inspiring, cheering, and keeping their fingers crossed. On my way to the award ceremony, I told my 3-year-old son that I would bring him a real star today. When my family is happy, when they are pleased, I am doubly happy."
"I have known Ivan since 2017," says Oleksandr HRYBENNYKOV, deputy open-pit mine manager for production and planning. "He is a very savvy manager, a consummate professional, and a truly great person. He is our gem, and we will not part with him for any amount of money. He is our Lionel Messi. For him, the interests of the team and the production site always come before his own. He is the type of person who is willing to work nearly around the clock because he loves his job and is devoted to the team. His site is probably one of the best in Kryvyi Rih in terms of technical condition, safety and comfort. The modern pre-shift room, into which he put his heart and soul and which became the talk of the day at many employee welfare competitions, is also not to be overlooked. At the same time, he remains a good person: responsive, open-minded, and willing to give his all if someone needs help. Aside from being an experienced expert, proactive leader and creative inventor, Ivan is also a sincere patriot. He is actively supporting the Armed Forces of Ukraine, especially our colleagues who are defending the country, by assisting them with their everyday needs. He is a true leader: he inspires and unites his colleagues during this difficult time of war and remains constantly in touch with his subordinates. He is well-liked and highly respected for his humanity, genuine concern for employees' issues, dedication to improving their working conditions, and the considerable personal effort he puts into achieving this. Ivan undoubtedly deserves the Gold Star like no other."
