Olga Novikova

“I always remind my colleagues that safety is very important in handling explosive materials. Explosive materials should be handled with respect. I want all my colleagues to return home from work safe and sound, so I keep control that operations instructions are strictly followed. This is an integral part of our work in the production of non-electric initiation systems (IS).”

Olga Novikova started to work in the mining industry at the age of 17 as a laboratory assistant in the blasting workshop. After a few years at the Kostomuksha Mining and Processing plant for and graduation from the St. Petersburg Mining Institute named after G.V. Plekhanov, Olga was appointed a supervisor of hot explosives preparation section in the blasting workshop. At the age of 30, Olga became the section head of the blasting workshop.

Kostomuksha non-electrical IS assembly plant

In 2007, Kostomuksha plant for the assembly of non-electric initiation systems based on the Swedish production technology "Nonel" started its operations. Olga became the plant chief technologist in the same year.

Since November 2022, Olga has been the chief engineer of the Kostomuksha branch office. According to Olga the start-up period of the non-electric IS plant was the most interesting. Jointly with Sergey Timaev, the regional office head, they did a lot of work to prepare and launch the serial production of non-electric IS. “This is the most memorable period when we were very excited to work for the sake of one goal - to start the plant,” Olga recalls.

The employees had to study the equipment, production technology and prepare all documentation for the production start-up. To fulfil the task, they travelled to a plant in Sweden. After the trip, Olga and Sergey rather quickly completed all the tasks. In addition, since her very start with the organization, Olga was involved in the personnel training in industrial safety, handling of explosive materials (EM), IS production technology, and organization of in-process inspection at the plant.

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Safety is our priority

“I always remind my colleagues that safety in handling explosives is very important. Explosive materials should be handled with respect. I want all my colleagues to return home from work safe and sound, so I keep control that operation instructions are strictly followed. This is an integral part of our work in the production of non-electric IS,” Olga emphasized.

Leadership

Olga's personal standards and self-discipline helped her to progress in her career and become a manager.

“When I became a manager at the age of 30, it was difficult sometimes. Mostly male and female employees that were older than me worked in the workshop. But my organizational skills and the leadership qualities enables me to win the respect with my direct reports. You have to treat people with respect, presenting your arguments, if you want to earn their trust,” said Olga.

Cooperation

In case of a high workload in the plant workshop, Olga and Sergey would join the workers in the workshop.

“My reports realized that the gap between them and the “boss” did not exist. This attitude helped to gain respect. Teamwork underlies the success of any business. Everyone should understand their task,” Olga shared her experience.

“I always set a clear goal for myself and go straight after it, but I respect the people around,” summed up Olga Novikova, chief engineer of the Kostomuksha non-electric IS assembly plant.

“Over 15 years, Olga has been meticulously ensuring the product quality and the adherence to the IS assembly technology,” shared his impressions the Head of the Kostomuksha Regional Office.