Oct 29 – A tragic incident in Kazakhstan has resulted in the loss of at least 32 lives, with 18 individuals still missing due to a mine fire, according to the Ministry for Emergency Situations. The operator of the mine, ArcelorMittal Temirtau, the local branch of the Luxembourg-based steel company, reported that 206 out of 252 personnel at the Kostenko mine have been successfully evacuated following what appears to be a methane explosion. Additionally, 18 individuals have received medical attention for injuries sustained during the incident.
In response to this devastating event, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev expressed his condolences to the families of the victims and declared a national day of mourning on October 29. He also issued an order to cease investment cooperation with ArcelorMittal Temirtau. Both the government and the company have expressed their commitment to finalizing a deal to nationalize the company, which operates the largest steel mill in the country.
ArcelorMittal has confirmed that discussions have been ongoing with the government of Kazakhstan regarding the future of ArcelorMittal Temirtau, and a preliminary agreement has been recently signed to transfer ownership to the Republic of Kazakhstan. The company is dedicated to completing this transaction as swiftly as possible to minimize any disruptions.
