Fatal Collapse at Kazakhmys Corporation's Mine: Government Launches Investigation

On February 17, a rock mass collapsed at the Zhomart mine operated by Kazakhmys Corporation in the Zhanaarka district of Ulytau region, Orda reports.

Seven people were trapped behind the collapse.

A government commission has been established to investigate the incident. An investigation is underway to determine all the circumstances of the event. Emergency response teams from Kazakhstan's Ministry of Emergency Situations are working at the site.

According to preliminary data from Kazakhmys, there was an explosion of natural gas.

Seven people were trapped in the collapse. Their bodies have been found.

The Ministry of Emergency Situations hotline received 23 calls regarding the incident.

The Ulytau region's Department of Police has opened a criminal case under Article 277, Part 3 of the Criminal Code: "Violation of Safety Regulations During Mining or Construction Works."

Kazakhstan's Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov has formed a special commission to investigate the causes of the mine collapse and assist those affected. 

Deputy Prime Minister Kanat Bozumbayev is heading the commission and was instructed to immediately travel to the emergency site to coordinate the work of state bodies and organizations.

Aqorda reports that the President of Kazakhstan sent a telegram of condolences to the workers' families.

He instructed the government to conduct a thorough investigation into the causes of the emergency and directed relevant departments and the regional administration to provide all necessary assistance to the families of the deceased.

Kazakhmys Corporation will provide comprehensive support to the families of those who died at the mine, as stipulated in their collective agreement:

• Payment of 10 times the worker's average annual salary
• Over 2 million tenge for funeral arrangements
• Monthly payments for loss of breadwinner
• Coverage of children's education costs
• Repayment of the deceased workers' loans and debts
• Other forms of assistance upon family members' request

The regional administration of Ulytau has also pledged to providepsychological and social support to the families of the deceased workers.

The regional governor, Dastan Ryspekov, expressed deep condolences, stating:

This tragedy has deeply shaken all of us. This devastating event has brought irreparable loss to several families. Your grief is our shared pain. All necessary measures will be taken to support the families who lost their loved ones in this sudden and tragic moment.

Original Author: Oksana Matvienko (See: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5)