The book Refraction of Metal: Why Scrap Is a Valuable Resource for the Future, published by JSC SGMK in partnership with Alpina PRO, has been named a prize-winner at the All-Russian Corporate Literature Competition "Best Corporate Book 2026."
The competition results were announced in Moscow. The organizer was the MediaLine communications group, with support from EKSMO and Alpina PRO publishing houses.
The competition received 90 entries, with 65 books making the shortlist across 19 categories. Participants included organizations from various regions of Russia – both public and commercial.
Companies from the mining and metallurgical sectors were particularly active in the competition. Alongside the SGMK and Alpina PRO project, awards also went to publications from Severstal, Russian Copper Company, Nornickel, OMK, and other major enterprises. Companies produce such books to tell their stories, help schoolchildren and students choose careers, strengthen corporate culture, and boost brand recognition.
Refraction of Metal explains in plain language the history of metallurgy, why scrap recycling matters, and how to treat natural resources responsibly. Complex industrial processes are made accessible: terms and numbers are presented through concrete examples and clear narratives – turning dry facts into meaningful, understandable insights.
Special thanks go to the author, Georgy Gupalo, who managed to make a challenging subject engaging for a broad audience. The team also extends its gratitude to SGMK specialists who helped gather and verify data, shared professional insights, and turned technical information into a vivid story.
"We are delighted that the book has been published and has found its readers. We put a great deal of effort into it and wanted to convey an important message: metallurgy is a modern, high‑tech, and essential industry. It is especially gratifying that our work was recognized by experts. We hope the book will help young people learn more about the industry and perhaps choose a career in it. I would also like to thank the executives who gave interviews for the book: Vladimir Chegodaev, Maxim Kuzmichev, Alexey Yanshin, and Alexey Koshkin. And a special thank you to Denis Kraev for the idea of designing the book in the Noviy Vtormet brand colors," said Olga Letyaeva, the book's originator and head of the working group, who also serves as head of the personnel training center at JSC SGMK.
The book will be useful for students in specialized universities, high schoolers, industry professionals, and anyone interested in industry and the environment. It is now available at major book chains and online stores – it opens a door into the world of metallurgy, revealing the immense effort, knowledge, and perseverance behind every ton of metal.
Metal holds the history of labor, calculations, discoveries, and great achievements. Refraction of Metal helps that story be heard. May this book serve as a reminder that behind the most advanced technologies stand people. It is their character, experience, and dedication to the profession that make metallurgy truly strong and cutting‑edge.