KARAGANDA, Kazakhstan (Kausar Arykhanovna)-At least 32 people have tragically lost their lives due to a fire that engulfed a mine in Kazakhstan. The mine, owned by the steel giant ArcelorMittal, became the epicenter of grief and sorrow.
The fire erupted on the same day that a significant deal was confirmed: the nationalization of ArcelorMittal’s mining operations in Kazakhstan. Amidst this pivotal moment, 14 individuals out of the 252 who were working at the Kostenko mine remain unaccounted for, adding to the anguish of their families and loved ones.
Emergency responders have provided medical treatment to 18 survivors, but the impact of this disaster reverberates far beyond physical injuries. The Kazakh President, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, expressed his deepest condolences to the bereaved families, labeling this incident as an unprecedented “tragedy.” He specifically pointed out that ArcelorMittal Termitau, the local unit of the company, has had a troubled history in terms of cooperation with the government and enterprise.
President Tokayev’s resolve is unwavering. He has ordered a halt to investment in Kazakhstan’s largest steel mill even before the fire, emphasizing his commitment to nationalization. The fate of the enterprise itself is now under consideration.
Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev had ordered investment in the country’s biggest steel mill to be halted prior to the blaze as he pushed for nationalisation.
He expressed his condolences to the families of the bereaved, calling the incident a “tragedy” and describing ArcelorMittal Termitau, the local unit of the company, as “the worst” in Kazakhstan’s history “from the point of view of cooperation with the government and the enterprise”.
ArcelorMittal, in response, has pledged cooperation with authorities and promised compensation for those affected. The initial steps toward nationalization are already underway, with a commitment to finalize this critical transaction promptly.
The regional health department reports that 15 hospitalized individuals are being treated for carbon monoxide poisoning—a stark reminder of the peril faced by those caught in this catastrophe.
Russian President Vladimir Putin, a close ally to Kazakhstan, conveyed his sympathies: “Please extend words of support and compassion to the families of the fallen miners,” he urged. His hope echoes ours—that those still trapped underground may be rescued.
This marks the second fatal incident within two months at an ArcelorMittal-operated site in Kazakhstan. In August, four miners lost their lives in a fire at the Karaganda mine. And just last year, in November 2022, five fatalities occurred due to a methane gas leak in the same region.
ArcelorMittal Temirtau, which owns 15 coal and ore mines across Kazakhstan, now faces profound scrutiny and responsibility. As we mourn these lives cut short, we also recognize the urgent need for safety measures and accountability within our mining industry.
