Deadly Blaze Claims 32 Lives in Kazakhstan Mine

• ArcelorMittal mine fire in Kazakhstan claims 32 lives.
• The fire coincides with the nationalization of ArcelorMittal’s mining operations.
• 14 miners are still missing, while 18 have received medical care.

A devastating mine fire in Kazakhstan, owned by the steel giant ArcelorMittal, has resulted in the tragic loss of at least 32 lives.

This tragic incident occurred on the same day that plans for nationalizing the company’s mining operations in Kazakhstan were confirmed.

Among the 252 individuals working at the Kostenko mine, 14 remain missing, while 18 have already received medical care.

Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev had already halted investments in the country’s largest steel mill before the fire, as he advocated for nationalization.

He expressed his heartfelt condolences to the families affected, deeming the event a “tragedy.” He also criticized ArcelorMittal Termitau, the local unit of the company, as “the worst” in Kazakhstan’s history in terms of government and enterprise cooperation.

He told Reuters that decisions regarding the enterprise’s future were being contemplated.

ArcelorMittal has pledged its full cooperation with authorities and assured compensation, as reported by AFP.

They also indicated that the initial steps of the nationalization process are in progress, with a commitment to finalize the transaction promptly.

According to the regional health department, 15 of the hospitalized individuals are being treated for carbon monoxide poisoning. Russian President Vladimir Putin conveyed his condolences to his Kazakh counterpart as a sign of solidarity.

“Please convey words of sympathy and support to the families of the killed miners,” he said in a statement.

“We hope the miners that are underground will be saved.”

This marks the second tragic incident in the past two months at a site operated by ArcelorMittal in Kazakhstan.

Back in August, a fire at the Karaganda mine claimed the lives of four miners. Furthermore, in November 2022, a methane gas leak in the same area resulted in the loss of five lives and the hospitalization of four others.

ArcelorMittal Temirtau is the owner of 15 coal and ore mines in Kazakhstan.

In 2022, the Luxembourg-based steel giant ArcelorMittal acquired the Aberdeen metal recycling business known as John Lawrie Metals.

It’s worth noting that the company played a significant role in sponsoring the construction of the iconic ArcelorMittal Orbit, which stands in London’s Olympic Park.

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