Mozyr Oil Refinery continues to confidently hold its height

21

16:30

04.09.2026

Yulia Prashkovich

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Oil refiners from the city on the Pripyat River greet the Day of Workers of the Oil, Gas and Fuel Industry in high spirits and with confidence in the future.

On the eve of the professional holiday, the refinery's General Director Vitaly Pavlov told a journalist from "Gomelskaya Pravda" what achievements the enterprise is marking on this day, what constitutes the code of a Mozyr oil refiner, and what tasks are now at the forefront for the cohesive team.

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Mozyr Oil Refinery – the industrial heart of the country

– Mozyr Oil Refinery is often called the industrial heart of the country. It is a dynamic, living organism where world-class technologies are combined with rich traditions. Vitaly Petrovich, if you had to describe the character of the refinery not in dry figures of tonnage and processing depth, but in human qualities: what is it like – the Mozyr refining plant?

– Of course, it is a strong-spirited enterprise, with an indomitable will, which yields neither to external nor internal fluctuations and boldly overcomes life's barriers. Like a person who has a goal: they move toward it, simultaneously solving many tasks, without stopping, confident that they will succeed. The same is true of our enterprise: despite the geopolitical and market trends that have existed throughout its history, the refinery never ceased to develop, remaining flexible. Another fitting adjective is beautiful. The design of the refinery is impressive, as are its scale and grandeur.

– What facility or technical achievement of Mozyr Oil Refinery in recent times are you so proud of that you are ready to talk about it with enthusiasm even to a person far removed from production?

– If we talk about the last five-year period, then of course it is the construction of the heavy oil residue hydrocracking complex. Not one generation of refinery workers will be proud of the fact that we managed not only to build this facility but also to master the challenging process of operating this unit. Over the recent period, a number of major projects have also been implemented, and several important production facilities have been reconstructed, which makes it possible to improve the technological process and master the production of new products. Every year, every month, every day is an unbroken chain of consistent decisions that refinery workers bring to life. And I am proud not only of individual achievements but also of the overall system of the refinery's work, which has been built thanks to the efforts of every oil refiner.

Director of Mozyr Oil Refinery Vitaly Pavlov

– Whole dynasties work at the refinery; people give the enterprise decades of their lives. What do you think – is there a special code of a Mozyr oil refiner? What qualities should a person possess for the refinery to recognize him as "one of their own"?

– I think that this very code was laid down back during the great refinery construction – at the beginning of our challenging but interesting path. I felt this myself, as I went from a process unit operator to the general director. I know that Mozyr oil refiners are characterized by a heightened sense of responsibility for the team, for the refinery, for ensuring that the enterprise continues to develop. The person who understands and realizes this responsibility feels at home at the enterprise. We have a tradition of initiation into the profession for young workers. And I always advise the guys who are just beginning their career path to fully immerse themselves in the depth of the enterprise's internal processes, to live with the interests of the refinery, to cherish the achievements of the production veterans, and to create their own.

– Being at the helm of an oil refining giant is a responsibility 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. What fills you in the most difficult moments and where do you find your personal resource?

– I clearly understand the level of responsibility for the future of the enterprise, and therefore I cannot afford to show any weakness. I am inspired by implemented ideas and achieved goals. When we work effectively, it gives an additional impulse for the future and makes me want to achieve more. Speaking of activities unrelated to production, I'm passionate about football. The refinery workers support the Mozyr football team "Slavia." This is a responsible process, a major social project that is not easy to build. But the team's victories inspire and bring joy. In my free time, I enjoy playing football myself, walking, swimming, reading a lot, including fiction, and listening to many interesting lectures.

– Young specialists and students who only dream of becoming part of a large team always look up to the refinery. What main advice would you give, what would you warn about, and what would you inspire them with?

– The refinery provides young people with an excellent start, supports their initiatives, and inspires them. But it's impossible to strengthen someone who has no desire to develop. Therefore, before coming to the refinery, one needs to think carefully about whether such a desire exists. Always, under any circumstances, it's important to work on yourself, develop yourself, and be active not only in the workplace but also in other areas: volunteering, sports, social life. Personal initiative is very valuable and will certainly be noticed and supported.

– On a professional holiday, it's customary to wish for accident-free operations and high performance indicators. What do you personally dream of for the Mozyr Oil Refinery and its people in the coming years?

– The current time is very interesting. It's easy to find yourself, apply your abilities, and develop. So let the team take advantage of the benefits of today, and let our industry continue its development. Health to the refinery workers, peaceful skies, confidence in tomorrow, and joy!

The Main Principle Is to Get to the Truth

Chemist Yelena Rassokha

For more than 15 years, Yelena Rassokha has been monitoring the environmental purity of production at the Mozyr Oil Refinery. She has repeatedly confirmed her high level of mastery, including by winning the in-plant "Best in Profession" competition.

There are no accidental people in the environmental protection laboratory of workshop No. 10 of treatment facilities at the Mozyr Oil Refinery. The work here requires maximum concentration and pinpoint precision, because it is precisely the chemical analysis that determines the environmental safety of a large-scale production facility.

Chemist Elena Rassokha formulated her main professional motto simply: to approach every task with great responsibility. It is precisely this approach and her uncompromising pursuit of accuracy that have made the refinery worker a true master of her craft.

Elena's career at the enterprise began more than 15 years ago. Behind her shoulders were a polytechnic college, which she graduated with honors majoring in "Laboratory Assistant of Chemical Analysis," and a diploma from Mozyr Pedagogical University. But it was Mozyr Oil Refinery that became her true academy of mastery.

"Before coming to the refinery, I had no practical experience, so my first steps were not easy. A massive enterprise, large-scale production, a huge volume of new information. At first, I was even a bit frightened by the number of analyses and the knowledge that needed to be mastered," the refinery worker recalls.

The relay of mentorship helped her overcome her nervousness and confidently enter the profession. The first and most memorable teacher in Elena's profession was the highly experienced laboratory assistant Evdokia Vladimirovna Bobr. It was she who instilled in the young specialist the important qualities of a true chemist: meticulousness, impeccable accuracy, the ability to move away from patterns, and deeply analyze the information received.

The atmosphere in Workshop No. 10 played an equally important role. Elena Rassokha emphasizes that the warm welcome and constant support of the wonderful laboratory team helped her not only master the intricacies of the work but also genuinely fall in love with her craft.

The Beauty of the 5th Grade

Laboratory Assistant of Chemical Analysis of the paramilitary gas-rescue squad Elena Kotsur

For nearly three decades, laboratory assistant of chemical analysis of the paramilitary gas-rescue squad Elena Kotsur has been safeguarding the safety of Mozyr Oil Refinery, combining her challenging work with music, creativity, and a love of life.

Elena is confident that true feminine beauty is not only a charming appearance but also qualities of character. For example, responsibility for one's work, sincere love for people, an unquenchable desire to learn something new, and a rare ability to rejoice in the simplest things.

Elena Aleksandrovna is a representative of a respected refinery dynasty. Her parents, Aleksandr Fedorovich and Svetlana Arkhipovna Alekseevy, devoted their entire lives to Mozyr Oil Refinery. Her father-in-law also worked here, and her husband and sister continue to work there.

– I grew up in a factory atmosphere from childhood. When my parents came back from their shifts, they would discuss production news and plant repairs. Colleagues often visited us, because our families were friends. The plant had long been a part of my life, – the laboratory assistant recalls warmly.

However, Elena's own path to the enterprise was not a straight one. After graduating from the Mozyr Medical College, she worked for five years as a nurse at a departmental kindergarten. When in 1998 she decided to transfer to the Mozyr Oil Refinery, she had a serious conversation with her father. The head of the family warned his daughter that the chosen road would not be easy: she would have to exchange her white coat for work clothes and heavy boots and work in any weather. To which the daughter firmly replied: "I'll manage!"

Today Elena Kotsur holds the highest 5th qualification grade and has extensive experience. The working morning of the VGSO laboratory assistants begins early: they need to go out to production sites and conduct an analysis of the air environment before the start of hot and gas-hazardous work.

– The accuracy of our measurements directly affects the lives and health of both refinery workers and contractors. That is why we are obliged to deliver a 100% reliable result, – explains Elena Aleksandrovna.

The refinery worker says that a special period is the time of the annual maintenance, when there is much more work. One has to climb the tallest process columns and take samples at dozens of points. On such days, the work proceeds at an intense pace, but that is precisely when one feels especially involved in a big and important common cause.

In her free time, Elena is not idle. For instance, she fulfilled a childhood dream – she bought a piano and completed the musical education she had once begun. Her hands are equally skilled at taking chemical samples and creating the finest things: Elena does cross-stitch embroidery, assembles diamond mosaics, and knits touching toys. In addition, she is an active participant in events of the Belarusian Union of Women, enjoys working at her dacha, and recently discovered hiking for herself, acquiring her own gear. The refinery worker is convinced that it is never too late to learn something new and discover new facets of one's personality.

From production shifts – to caring for health and soul

Chairman of the primary trade union organization of the Mozyr Oil Refinery Aleksandr Titovich

At the Mozyr Oil Refinery, they know not only how to achieve strong labor results, but also how to fill every day with bright events.

The calendar of events of the company's primary trade union organization is traditionally filled with diverse initiatives. In their free time between shifts, the plant workers lead an active, interesting, and fulfilling life: they engage in sports, discover creative talents, participate in charitable activities, and strive for continuous self-development.

A bright and intriguing novelty was a special project timed to coincide with the Year of the Belarusian Woman.

"It is a series of informative, confidential meetings organized for the women of the company. Its main goal is to remind every female employee of a key value: the need for sincere care for herself, her physical and emotional health," said Alexander Titovich, Chairman of the primary trade union organization of Mozyr Oil Refinery.

He noted that the meeting program is built on dialogue with the leading healthcare specialists in the region. One of the memorable events was a meeting with experts in the field of dermatology and diagnostics. The team also responded enthusiastically to one of the latest events, which featured an invitation to endocrinologist Yulia Grigorenko. The dialogue took place in a remarkably warm, sincere, and trusting atmosphere. The open format allowed the participants to ask pressing questions and receive comprehensive professional recommendations.

The company is confident that knowing the characteristics of one's body, understanding its signals, and systematically strengthening immunity is the fundamental basis for a long, active, and happy life. The project is ongoing, which means the female employees have many useful, interesting, and inspiring meetings ahead.

OAO "Mozyr Oil Refinery"

Founded on January 25, 1975

Type of activity: oil refining and production of petroleum products.

Product range:

motor gasolines (AI-101-K5-Euro, AI-100-K5-Euro, AI-98-K5-Euro, AI-95-K5-Euro, AI-92-K5-Euro);

diesel fuel for operation in temperate climate conditions (DT-L-K5, grade C; DT-E-K5, grade F), diesel fuel for operation in cold winter climate conditions (DT-Z-K5, class 0; DT-Z-K5, class 1; DT-Z-K5, class 2) and arctic climate (DT-A-K5, class 4); fuel oil; petroleum bitumens; liquefied hydrocarbon fuel gases and other products.

OAO "Mozyr Oil Refinery" – official partner of social and cultural events in the Gomel region

Olga BOBROVNIK, Viola LEKHNOVICH

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