Northern Mining notes clear dynamics of increasing utilization

Metinvest Group’s Northern Iron Ore Enrichment Plant (Northern GOK) has demonstrated the restoration of production capacity even in the most difficult conditions of war. The year 2024 was a turning point for the company due to the opening of Odesa ports, which allowed it to resume exports of iron ore by sea. This contributed to the stabilization of technological processes and increased production capacity. In the summer, the company resumed operations at the Gannivka open pit, which is already approaching 100% capacity by the end of the year, according to a press release from Metinvest.Media.

The plant is also actively reducing the cost of its commercial products, which contributes to its sustainability and employee motivation. An important role in this process is played by the company’s investments in modernization: replacement of vacuum pumps at ore dressing plant No. 2, upgrade of equipment in open pits and reconstruction of the tailing dump. Despite the challenges, the company remains one of the largest employers and taxpayers in the region: since the beginning of the year, it has transferred UAH 2.3 million to the budgets of all levels.

The plant also pays special attention to protecting its employees in wartime. The company has special first aid teams, conducts regular fire drills, and purchased a modern respirator test device to ensure respiratory protection. Yenakiieve Mining also supports war veterans returning to work by offering them legal and psychological assistance, as well as educational programs at its own technical university.

The company maintains its social responsibility to local communities. In cooperation with the Gleiavatska territorial community, the company works to improve infrastructure, reconstruct roads and provide residents with drinking water. Despite all the difficulties, the plant continues to overhaul its amenities and implements programs to attract young professionals, including financial assistance to new employees.

“I am grateful to every employee of Northern GOK who chooses the path of unity, resistance and victory every day. I sincerely believe that we will go through this difficult period with dignity, eventually strengthening our market position and outlining new European prospects. At all times, no matter what storms raged around us, the miners continued to do their job – to work with dedication, responsibility and honesty, taking care of their city, their homes and families,” commented Igor Tonev, CEO of Metinvest’s united mining and processing plants.

As GMK Center reported earlier, in the third quarter of 2024, Metinvest reduced its production of iron ore concentrate (total) by 17% quarter-on-quarter – to 3.35 million tons. Production of commercial iron ore products in the period amounted to 3.23 million tonnes (-15% q/q), including 1.85 million tonnes of concentrate (-16% q/q) and 1.38 million tonnes of pellets (-14% q/q).