Kostenko Mine Explosion Trial Begins in Qaraganda: 10 Officials Face Charges

The trial over the fatal explosion at the Kostenko mine has begun in Qaraganda, with hearings taking place directly at the correctional facility where the suspects are being held, Orda.kz reports.
The explosion, which resulted in the deaths of 46 miners, was investigated by prosecutors, leading to today's preliminary hearings. The court session includes state prosecutors, victims' relatives, and legal representatives for defendants and the affected parties.
Ten individuals, including mine management and technical staff, are facing charges. Among them are the mine director, chief engineer, and heads of the ventilation and conveyor transport sections. Nine accused are in custody, while one remains under a written undertaking not to leave the area.
All defendants have been charged under Part 3 of Article 277 of the Criminal Code of Kazakhstan (violation of safety regulations during mining operations). The trial is being held at Institution No. 61 of the Committee of the Criminal Executive System,stated the Qaraganda Region Prosecutor's Office.
The Kostenko mine explosion occurred in October 2023, killing 46 miners and injuring 28 others.
At the time, the coal mines, including those in Qaraganda, were owned by ArcelorMittal Temirtau. Following the tragedy, the Kazakh government transferred AMT's assets to a domestic investor. The deal was finalized with businessman Andrey Lavrentiev, and ArcelorMittal was rebranded as Qarmet.
Original Author: Zhadra Zhulmukhametova
Latest news
- Iran Signals Openness to Nuclear-Weapon-Free Treaty
- Iran Launches Major Missile Strike on Israel as Conflict Escalates
- Kazakhstan to Control Future Nuclear Power Plant, Eyes China for Second Project
- Experts Comment on Rosatom Being Chosen to Lead International Consortium for Kazakhstan’s First Nuclear Power Plant
- No Investigation Into Former Defense Minister Zhaqsylyqov, KNB Confirms
- Escalation in The Middle East: Kazakhstan Urges Restraint, Halts Flights Over 6 Countries
- Israel and Iran Exchange Strikes Amid Escalation
- Rosatom Chosen to Lead International Consortium for Kazakhstan’s First Nuclear Power Plant
- “Holding On”: Life Continues in a Deregistered Qostanay Village
- Two Kazakh Students Admitted to Prestigious U.S. Military Academy
- Deputy's Son, Nurasyl Bolat, Seeks Fine In Lieu of Sentence
- Major International Brand Relocates to Kazakhstan
- No Municipal Use Planned for Massimov’s Confiscated Mansion
- Cross-Border Steppe Fire Sparks Back-and-Forth Between Russia and Kazakhstan
- U.S. Lawmakers Reaffirmed Willingness to Lift Jackson-Vanik Trade Restrictions for Kazakhstan
- Muratkhan Tokmadi Denied Sentence Reduction Once Again
- Security Council Situation Center Head Relieved
- Kazakhstan and U.S. Discuss Trade, Critical Minerals, and Agriculture
- Kazakhstan Identifies 38 New Sites with Mineral Potential
- Qazaq Banki’s Collapse: What It Cost KazAgro