Kryvyi Rih lays the foundation for future transformations – ArcelorMittal

Despite the war and the current challenges, ArcelorMittal Kryvyi Rih is laying the groundwork for major post-war transformations, does not abandon the prospects of a green transition, and focuses on maintaining the stability of the workforce. Mauro Longobardo, CEO of PJSC ArcelorMittal Kryvyi Rih, said this during the first annual ESG IMPACT DAY.

According to him, ESG for a company is not just a set of obligations, but the basis of a long-term success strategy. Sustainable practices are important not only to comply with European standards, such as the CSRD directive, but also to meet the needs of various stakeholders, including communities and employees.

Mauro Longobardo noted that, like many other industries, the company operates in a complex environment with exceptional challenges.

One of the key priorities is to ensure the company’s sustainable operation. Energy is critical to its operations, and the reliability of its supply has become a central challenge.

“To address this issue, we are exploring opportunities to partner with energy suppliers to develop renewable energy sources, such as wind or solar power plants, near our plant in Kryvyi Rih. This project can not only stabilize our energy supply but also bring us closer to a low-carbon future,” explained Mauro Longobardo.

According to him, despite the war and the current restrictions, ArcelorMittal Kryvyi Rih is laying the groundwork for major transformations.

“Before the war, we had a bold plan to invest $2 billion over five years to transition to green steel production. Although this timeframe has shifted, the vision remains the same. The transition to electric and low-carbon technologies will help us meet the growing demand for clean steel in Europe, which has become a key market for our company,” said Mauro Longobardo.

According to him, the post-war reconstruction of Ukraine will provide the company with an extraordinary opportunity to contribute to this process. AMKR’s products are crucial for infrastructure, housing and energy projects that will be at the center of post-war recovery.

Globally, the transition to environmentally friendly materials is changing the steel industry. By responding to these trends, the company not only responds to market demands but also positions itself as a leader in a new industrial era.

The CEO of ArcelorMittal Kryvyi Rih called the stability of the workforce another important focus. While mobilization and wider uncertainty have created staffing challenges, the company is committed to retaining and supporting its employees. Their knowledge and experience will be crucial in expanding production when conditions improve.

Among other steps, the company has increased the number of women in certain positions, increasing gender diversity. A candidate can apply for any role regardless of gender if they have the appropriate qualifications.

AMKR is also implementing a program to reintegrate veterans into civilian life. According to Kateryna Zaloznykh, Acting HR Director of ArcelorMittal Kryvyi Rih, more than 3,000 employees are currently serving in the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

According to her, the company is keeping the jobs of all mobilized workers, and has set up a coordination center for veterans to provide them with legal, medical and psychological support, etc.

More than 400 employees have already been demobilized, and almost half of them have started working at the company. There is also a share of those who are undergoing retraining or re-employment. “ArcelorMittal Kryvyi Rih retrains people at the company’s expense to learn new skills, having its own university, a training center where they can get knowledge in more than 350 working professions.

As GMK Center reported earlier, the increased mobilization increases the shortage of personnel at ArcelorMittal Kryvyi Rih.