Environmental inspectors have identified multiple violations at coal deposits in Kazakhstan’s Pavlodar region after detecting spontaneous coal combustion at four separate sites, leading to excessive atmospheric emissions.
According to Kazinform, supervisory authorities launched inspections following complaints from local residents about persistent smog. Investigations confirmed air pollution caused by burning coal waste at the Bogatyr, Shygys, Angrensor Energo and Maikuben deposits. Three of the affected sites are located in Ekibastuz, while the Maikuben operation lies in the Bayanaul district.
Regulators found that the subsoil users had failed to fully comply with the conditions of their environmental emission permits. As a result, the companies were held administratively liable and fined. Bogatyr Komir was ordered to pay 680,000 tenge, Eurasian Energy Corporation’s Shygys mine 889,000 tenge, Angrensor Energo 702,000 tenge, and Maikuben-West 658,000 tenge.
In addition to the penalties, the coal producers have been instructed to develop and implement technical action plans aimed at containing and eliminating the self-ignition hotspots. The regional environmental department will oversee compliance with the prescribed deadlines.
