On 12 June, Russia Day, President Vladimir Putin presented the traditional Hero of Labour of the Russian Federation awards to representatives of various professions who displayed an excellent performance in their work (the awards are given every year). Among the recipients of the award was an employee of MMK, Alexander Motorin, an operator of the MMK hot-rolling mill control post, who has worked at the mill for more than 30 years. 

"The bright labour victories and achievements of Alexander Motorin, a metallurgist with truly priceless professional experience, are inextricably linked with the famous Magnitogorsk plant. The history of this industrial giant was written by many specialists - competent, enthusiastic, real masters," Putin said. In response, Motorin, addressing the President and all participants of the ceremony, said: "Thank you very much for this prestigious award. It is very important to note that this is not only an acknowledgement of my work. This is an achievement of the entire workforce of Magnitogorsk Iron and Steel Works, all the workers of the legendary Magnitogorsk."

In addition to praising Motorin, Vladimir Putin separately stressed that he is impressed by the work of Magnitogorsk Iron and Steel Works as a whole, including MMK's implementation of environmental initiatives. "Magnitogorsk is developing and thriving, the shareholders are doing well, and in recent years a lot of money has been invested in environment measures and in updating production… The volume of emissions has significantly decreased, and this is important for people," the President said, speaking with Motorin after the award ceremony.

MMK has been investing heavily in environmental projects: between 2018 and 2025, the Company plans to spend RUB 38 bln on environmental initiatives. In particular, in 2019, MMK spent more than RUB 8.7 bln in this area. According to the environmental programme for 2020, MMK will allocate a further RUB 12.95 bln to initiatives aimed at reducing the environmental impact.