At one of the leading coal mines in
Donbas, a new coal harvester is being tested. However, the machine proves to be imperfect. Its designer, Trofymenko (
Vladimir Druzhnikov), continues working on improving the apparatus. Esteemed miner Stepan Nedolya (
Boris Chirkov), young miner Vasya Orlov (
Andrei Petrov), and the mine supervisor Gorovoy (
Vasiliy Merkuryev) advocate for the adoption of advanced, more efficient labor methods. Within the ranks of the miners, changes are underway. Some workers must make way for more qualified personnel, while others leave to attend technical institutes, with the aim of returning to their home mines as engineers. These developments reflect a broader transformation in the workforce, emphasizing education and innovation in the mining industry. ==Cast==