MINEX Forum

Tag: ArcelorMittal Temirtau

  • The government is not considering the involvement of foreign investors in AMT after nationalization

    The government is not considering the involvement of foreign investors in AMT after nationalization

    Minister of Industry and Construction Kanat Sharlapayev responded to queries from journalists regarding potential ownership of the coal plant following its transfer from Lakshmi Mittal’s ArcelorMittal.

    He clarified the government is not contemplating any foreign investors after rights transfer to the Republic of Kazakhstan. Additionally, all existing conditions such as union agreements, wages and staffing levels will remain unchanged during transition.

    When asked if businessman Serik Akhmetov could become the new investor, the Minister stated no specific investor has been discussed as they do not plan to attract foreign ownership. ArcelorMittal Temirtau retains operational capability as an ongoing concern generating over $3 million revenue in 2022.

    Sharlapayev explained it would be incorrect to assume budgetary funding is needed as the enterprise sustains itself financially. Negotiations with ArcelorMittal had been ongoing for some time, with preliminary sale documents signed October 22nd preceding the mine tragedy. Therefore, characterising the deal as hastily conducted would be erroneous.

    Legal measures are being taken to safeguard Kazakhstan from further litigation once this investor exits. The plant name may change owing to loss of ArcelorMittal branding rights. Staff opinion will factor in any new name decision.

    Disclosure of acquisition conditions was declined due to the seller’s public listing, though budget funds will not be utilised for the asset purchase. Legally binding contracts remain pending signature with the listed company.

  • Tokaev instructed to terminate cooperation with “ArcelorMittal Temirtau”

    Tokaev instructed to terminate cooperation with “ArcelorMittal Temirtau”

    Kazakhstani President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev expressed his sincere condolences to the families and loved ones of the miners who lost their lives in the fire at the Kostenko Mine in the Karaganda region. The head of state instructed the Government to provide all necessary assistance to the families of the miners. A government commission has been established to investigate the circumstances of the incident.

    The government has been instructed to terminate investment cooperation with the company “ArcelorMittal Temirtau.”

    The emergency occurred during the night.

    It is worth noting that just two months ago, a tragedy occurred at the “Kazakhstanskaya” mine (also owned by “ArcelorMittal Temirtau”).

    It has recently become known that the management is entirely responsible for the tragedy that led to the deaths of miners following the fire at the “Kazakhstanskaya” mine.

    The staggering statistics of fatal accidents at AMT facilities have caused outrage and angry comments not only from internet users but also from officials, starting with the head of state. The rumors about a possible “divorce” with a foreign investor have gone beyond kitchen table discussions and have taken concrete shape in parliamentary inquiries. To understand what is happening, the correspondent of Ulysmedia.kz analyzed, remembered, and reviewed personal archives.

    On April 23, it became known that Irina Em, a lawyer at “ArcelorMittal Temirtau,” was killed. Her body, showing signs of violent death, was discovered by firefighters from the city of Shakhtinsk who responded to a call. The most significant question actively discussed on social media is whether the woman’s murder is related to her professional activities. The Ulysmedia.kz correspondent investigated why deaths at “AMT” are associated with production.

  • Tragedy at the “Kostenko” Mine: the names of the miners who will be buried on October 31 have become known

    Tragedy at the “Kostenko” Mine: the names of the miners who will be buried on October 31 have become known

    Mourning continues in the Karaganda region for the miners lost in the Kostenko Mine accident. Funerals have commenced, with 14 workers interred on October 30th both in Karaganda city and surrounding towns. Many of the deceased had previously served at other company facilities.

    Further farewells are scheduled over the next two days, with the bulk planned for this coming Tuesday. Through social networks, eight additional memorial services have been noted already set for October 31st honouring Marat Fazlov, Olzhas Kamiev, Askhat Sapargaliev, Vladimir Kataman, Damir Kalimullin, Ivan Menikov, Akynzhan Orakbayev and Yuri Polovinka.

    The local administration and ArcelorMittal Temirtau are aiding the families in funeral arrangements. It remains that an explosion inferred to have resulted from a methane blast transpired on October 28th, with 45 bodies recovered and one miner still searched for. The first names released bring some solace amidst this tragedy which the President strongly condemned. A criminal inquiry has rightly commenced as the ownership transfer process continues.

  • “To Punish the Guilty Is Not Enough”: AMANAT Deputies Put Forward Demands to the Leadership of AMT”

    “To Punish the Guilty Is Not Enough”: AMANAT Deputies Put Forward Demands to the Leadership of AMT”

    According to Nikita Shatalov, society does not believe that the truly responsible parties will be held accountable. Deputies from the AMANAT faction once again raised the issue of the responsibility of the leaders of ArcelorMittal Temirtau (AMT) for accidents at the company’s facilities that have resulted in the deaths of Kazakhstanis during a plenary session of the Majilis, as reported by Azattyq Rýhy.

    “Over a month ago, an accident occurred at the Kazakhstan mine. During the fire, which is still not extinguished, 5 people died, and 16 others were injured. The enterprise will not be operating for a year. We awaited the results of the government commission’s work, and they were announced last week. The investigation found that the full blame lies with the employer. 28 people who should be subject to criminal prosecution have been identified,” said Deputy Nikita Shatalov, addressing a request to Prime Minister Alihan Smailov and Prosecutor General Berik Asylov.

    He emphasized that this is not the first accident at ArcelorMittal Temirtau’s facilities.

    “The AMANAT faction has repeatedly raised issues of equipment operation violations, safety issues, and inadequate labor protection. Unfortunately, society does not believe that the truly responsible parties will be held accountable. Often, in such incidents, the blame was placed on the performers, while major managers made decisions that led to accidents.

    This time, too, it is obvious that the accident, which resulted in the loss of our compatriots, occurred due to the fault of the enterprise’s leaders. They decided that they could save money by purchasing unsuitable equipment and not complying with all technical requirements for coal mining. For example, it became known that a belt that, according to Kazakhstani legislation, should have been fire-resistant, caught fire. This is a blatant disregard for the fate of our people. If it were not for someone’s greed, Steshin, Khalikov, Burgun, Slyunkov, and Starovoit would still be alive,” the deputy said.

    Nikita Shatalov stated that the deputies of the AMANAT faction were at the scene of the tragedy.

    “We talked to colleagues of the deceased miners, saw the deplorable state of the mines, met with the families. People, unfortunately, cannot be brought back, but society expects justice.

    Firstly, we demand that you do not weaken control. The results of the investigation must lead to fair punishment. Those responsible for the accident, for the deaths of miners, must bear full responsibility for what happened. No one, especially the leaders of the enterprise, including foreigners, should be removed from the orbit of criminal prosecution. Those who made criminal decisions should be punished several times more severely than involuntary performers.

    Secondly, punishing the guilty is not enough. The accident at Kazakhstan mine is far from the first in recent years. And the reason for all of them is the same – the investor squeezed everything out of Soviet technologies, did not modernize, and did not monitor working conditions in the mines. This is the reason for all the deaths of miners, and there have been more than 100 during Mittal’s work in Kazakhstan. We demand that those who have earned hundreds of billions on the lives and health of Kazakhstanis fulfill their investment obligations in full. The Government of Kazakhstan has all the necessary legal levers for this,” the deputy said.

  • Investigating the Ongoing Efforts to Contain the Fire at the “Kazakhstanskaya” mine

    Investigating the Ongoing Efforts to Contain the Fire at the “Kazakhstanskaya” mine

    The government commission’s ongoing investigation into a group accident stemming from a fire at the Kazakhstanskaya mine was reported by the Ministry of Emergency Situations of the Republic of Kazakhstan. According to the agency, current efforts have led to the completion of thirteen insulating jumpers in the affected section of the mine, with work continuing on the installation of eleven more. On-site, there are 27 mine rescuers and 45 mine workers, with the rescuers also actively involved in firefighting. The gas levels are being closely monitored, and there have been no adverse changes in temperature readings at the work areas.

    Recalling the incident that occurred on August 17, where a conveyor belt in the mine caught fire at 10:05, an emergency response plan was swiftly enacted. At the time, 227 individuals were underground, of whom 222 were successfully evacuated, but tragically, five lost their lives. A special commission, comprising representatives from relevant state bodies, was established to investigate the incident. Furthermore, a criminal case has been initiated under Article 277, Part 3, of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan, pertaining to violations of safety regulations during mining or construction work.

    A number of examinations were appointed as part of the investigation of the accident at the Kazakhstanskaya mine of the coal department of ArcelorMittal Temirtau JSC. They will be conducted by Kazakh and international organizations.

  • Who can purchase assets of “ArcelorMittal Temirtau” after the departure of Lakshmi Mittal?

    Who can purchase assets of “ArcelorMittal Temirtau” after the departure of Lakshmi Mittal?

    Kazakh authorities announced on August 22nd that a political decision has already been made regarding the departure of the company “ArcelorMittal Temirtau” (AMT) from the Republic, and negotiations are underway with the shareholders. According to some information, one of the potential buyers could be the Russian mining and metallurgical company “Severstal.” “Kursiv” interviewed experts and found out to whom else AMT assets could be sold and for what amount.

    The reason for discussions about the fate of AMT was the accident on August 17th at the “Kazakhstanskaya” mine (owned by AMT), where five miners died. Following this, Kazakh authorities and the public began to question AMT’s presence in Kazakhstan. President Kasym-Zhomart Tokayev cast doubt on AMT’s continued stay in the country. Kazakhstan’s Prime Minister Alihan Smailov stated that the owners of the enterprise are to blame for the tragedy in the AMT mines. He mentioned that after a similar incident a few years earlier, AMT management had assured that they would do everything to ensure industrial safety, labor safety, and investment in production modernization. However, according to the Prime Minister, these commitments were not fully fulfilled.

    In September 2021, AMT signed a memorandum of understanding with the government of Kazakhstan, under which AMT was supposed to invest at least $3 billion over the next 10 years. Smailov expressed outrage that people continue to die in AMT facilities, leading to the question of changing ownership of the enterprise.

    Over the years, AMT has seen more than a hundred miners lose their lives at the company. “Kursiv” compiled a chronology of major tragedies that have occurred in the metallurgical company’s mines. The highest level of injuries and deaths occurred at KarMet, under whose management the “Kazakhstanskaya” mine, where five miners died, is located.

    On Tuesday, August 22nd, the Minister of Finance, Erulan Zhamauvayev, told journalists that the authorities are negotiating with AMT shareholders about their departure from Kazakhstan, and a political decision on this matter already exists. Zhamauvayev added that the first Deputy Prime Minister of Kazakhstan, Roman Sklyar, is handling negotiations with potential buyers.

    “Negotiations on a large enterprise should be conducted by specific individuals because it should be a serious negotiating process. Therefore, if everyone comments on it at their own level incompetently, it will be wrong. Moreover, it can affect the negotiation process. Therefore, the statement has already been made. I think there is a political decision (regarding the departure of ArcelorMittal from Kazakhstan), so we will work on it,” Zhamauvayev assured.

    What risks does Mittal’s withdrawal from Kazakhstan pose?

    Financial analyst Andrey Chebotarev doubts that the departure of Lakshmi Mittal from Kazakhstan will be quick and straightforward. The expert claims that Kazakhstan could face another Anatol Stati (an entrepreneur from Moldova) situation, where legal battles have been ongoing for years.

    “To begin with, it is necessary to understand the exit strategy of the current investor. I sincerely hope that the situation with the current shareholder will be resolved quickly and painlessly. I hope that the path of aggressive nationalization will not be chosen, as it could deter future investors from Kazakhstan. We must demonstrate as smoothly, transparently, and openly as possible that the current investor violated investment agreements, failed to fulfill them, and that’s why the contract is being terminated. Not because we want a piece of the pie. I really hope that the desire for quick victories does not threaten our investment climate,” says Chebotarev.

    Political analyst Petr Svoik, also known as the initiator of political integration between Kazakhstan and Russia, explains that in the event of Lakshmi Mittal’s departure from Kazakhstan, two major problems arise concerning the fate of KarMeta (Karaganda Metallurgical Plant owned by “ArcelorMittal Temirtau”). First, KarMeta currently operates within Mittal’s global network of enterprises and serves as a supplier of raw materials to other productions. After Mittal’s departure, Kazakhstan will lose these supplies and will have to reorient to something else. Second, the plant has been operated to its limits to extract profits from Kazakhstan.

    “Let’s not deceive ourselves. If we sold it to a foreign investor in the first place, they are interested in not investing foreign money into the Kazakh plant but in extracting as much as possible to increase profits, including through savings on labor costs and modernization, as we have observed. The new buyer, in addition to solving the issues of integrating KarMeta’s products into other supply chains, must also find a substantial amount of money to upgrade KarMeta,” the expert claims.

    Who can buy AMT assets? According to Chebotarev’s opinion, Kazakh companies, although technically capable of acquiring such assets, are unlikely to be interested. AMT requires significant investments, the analyst added.

    “This is a rather heavy asset that requires a lot of investment. Furthermore, it’s unclear at what stage the current investor will exit. Therefore, I believe it will be some kind of strategic foreign investor or a consortium of investors under someone’s unified management,” the expert expressed.

    Russian financial group “Finam” analyst Alexey Kalachev doubts the feasibility of Severstal’s purchase of AMT. According to him, Severstal has not expressed a willingness to acquire foreign assets, even in “friendly” jurisdictions.

    “ArcelorMittal” is an international corporation. Therefore, for such transactions, it likely needs to obtain many approvals, including from regulators in unfriendly-to-Russia countries. Alexey Mordashov, who controls Severstal, is under sanctions that also apply to the companies he controls. Such a deal may simply not receive the necessary approvals from European regulators, Kalachev believes.

    In turn, Petr Svoik believes that Severstal is a “principled candidate” as a potential buyer of AMT assets. “Samruk-Kazyna” could be an “intermediate option” in terms of transitional management, the political scientist added.

    “FNB is in debt, deep in foreign currency debt. So, who could help it deal with its debts? This is a bad option unless it’s forced. As for Severstal, it’s more realistic. The burden of being under sanctions is as much a problem as it is a solution. As part of Russia’s policy to regain its technological sovereignty, there is certainly a task to completely reorient black and non-ferrous metallurgy toward its own market or the markets of friendly countries,” says the political scientist, adding that KarMet can be equipped with more technologically advanced products for the Russian, local, and Chinese markets.

    Financial analyst Rasul Rysmambetov is not sure that AMT will be transferred to “Samruk-Kazyna” because the fund lacks the expertise and authority to manage such large projects. He explained that “Tau-Ken Samruk” (a unit of “Samruk-Kazyna”) does not interfere in the operations of mining and metallurgical companies in which it holds stakes but is either a minority shareholder or anchor investor. Rasul Rysmambetov also mentioned an approximate amount for which AMT could be sold.

    “It could cost around $100 million. But there will also be Due Diligence because the expenses are very high. I would deduct from the price the miners who suffered and are receiving payments. In any case, the amount will be significant,” the expert noted.

    According to him, the Kazakh authorities announced a tender for the purchase of AMT through Minister Zhamaubaev.

    “There are Chinese, Indians, and Russians with Severstal. It’s hard to say which of them is more likely. I think this is not a matter of two weeks but one or two months,” Rasul Rysmambetov believes.

    Financial analyst Arman Beisembaev also named China and India among potential buyers. However, he claims that if Mittal manages to acquire this asset, it will be handed over to the Russians, not directly but through various “intermediary” companies or a series of funds.

    “Somebody will buy it, and the ultimate beneficiary will be unclear because they could fall under sanctions, and Kazakhstan is also afraid of that. But it is highly likely that the ultimate beneficiaries will be Russians. I cannot say that this is bad for Kazakhstan from an economic point of view. For example, Russian ‘EuroChem’ has been operating in Kazakhstan for many years, and ‘Kazatomprom’ also has a share of Russia [the company has joint ventures with ‘Rosatom’ structures],” Arman Beisembaev said.

    He reminded that after the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the neighboring country began losing the European market. Now they are trying to reorient themselves to the East and South.

    “Russia’s economic and political strategy is imperial in terms of economic behavior. It expands its sphere of influence. Since it practically lost the European market, it failed to take Ukraine, and Belarus is practically in its pocket. The nearest strategy is Kazakhstan,” the expert explains.

    According to Beisembaev, his assumptions are based on the volume of Russia’s external investments. Until 2014, Russia invested the most in Ukraine – about $17 billion, with most of this money going to Kiev and the Kiev region. After 2014, Russia began investing the most in Kazakhstan, the analyst claims.

    “Russia acts towards Kazakhstan exactly as it did towards Ukraine before 2014 – it employs soft power, economic influence, investments, and asset acquisition. Russians are already in ‘Kazatomprom,’ coal, uranium, and gas industries. The strategy is exactly the same as with Ukraine, and if we object, war is guaranteed,” Arman Beisembaev believes.

    The analyst notes that AMT assets are “quite attractive,” so Kazakhstan can sell them with a premium and make a good profit. However, the buyer will have to invest in infrastructure and security, which will naturally be included in the contract terms and will affect the final cost. “I can’t say how much, but it depends on the will of the state. No investor wants to invest in security unless they are required to,” the analyst concluded.

    The Failed Deal Between Severstal and Arcelor

    In May 2006, the international company Arcelor S.A., at that time one of the world’s largest steelmaking companies, announced a merger with the Russian metallurgical company Severstal, owned by Alexey Mordashov. He was supposed to receive 295 million issued shares of Arcelor, equivalent to 32% of the share capital. In return, Arcelor would have received from Mordashov all his shares in Severstal (82%), including Severstal North America, mining assets, and a stake in the Italian company Lucchini. Additionally, Mordashov was to pay 1.25 billion euros. This deal was intended to thwart the plans of Arcelor’s acquisition by Lakshmi Mittal’s company, Mittal Steel. Currently, Lakshmi Mittal’s fortune is estimated at $16.1 billion.

    However, just a month after reaching an agreement with Mordashov, Arcelor and Mittal Steel agreed to merge and expressed opposition to Severstal’s purchase of a stake, even though Mittal’s proposal to Arcelor had been considered hostile before. Thus, Arcelor and Mittal Steel formed the company ArcelorMittal, the world’s largest metallurgical company.

    ArcelorMittal owns the steelmaking and mining company ArcelorMittal Temirtau in Kazakhstan. AMT is one of the largest enterprises in the Karaganda region, traditionally accounting for 25% of the total industrial production output. The sole shareholder of AMT is ArcelorMittal Holdings B.V., a public company registered in the Netherlands.

  • ArcelorMittal Temirtau must leave the country – ex-director of the mine “Kazakhstanskaya” Arman Kalykov

    ArcelorMittal Temirtau must leave the country – ex-director of the mine “Kazakhstanskaya” Arman Kalykov

    ASTANA. KAZINFORM – On August 17, a conveyor belt caught fire in the working of the D6 coal slope at the Kazakhstanskaya mine. There were 227 miners in the mine. 222 workers were brought to the surface. The bodies of three dead have been found, and the search for the two miners is still ongoing. It turned out that over 100 people died at ArcelorMittal Termirtau facilities over 15 years. We decided to find out the reasons for systematic accidents from the ex-director of the Kazakhstanskaya mine, now a deputy of the Mazhilis, Arman Kalykov, who is now at the site of the tragedy.

    – Tell us about the situation, what measures are being taken now?

    – I visited the operational headquarters, then met with the family of the deceased. He got acquainted with the course of conducting rescue operations, extinguishing a fire. All, of course, painfully familiar. These accidents occur one after another endlessly. Each is a pain in the heart for a miner. With many familiar. I personally knew two of the victims. I worked there as chief engineer, deputy director, director of the mine. While I am here in the region. In principle, I was in the region, but far from the mine. The fire is under control now. Two people were not found. Young guys born in 1994, 1996. Now the situation is such that it is difficult to comment on something. The headquarters is working. I got to know the progress of the case.

    Today, unfortunately, I managed to meet only one family. Expressed condolences. They are also indignant: why did the tape catch fire, why is there a series of deaths? They don’t blame anyone. While questions were asked and all. As a standard, the company provides assistance in accordance with the collective agreement: the families of the victims will be paid 10 annual earnings. Housing will be purchased. All support measures are listed there. I said that the state commission is working. In my opinion, this is all due to underfunding by the shareholder. The company (ArcelorMittal Temirtau) saves money on creating safe conditions and staffing. There is a big problem – not enough numbers. The last two years, by joint efforts, convinced the shareholders – they began to accept people. The company accepted about 2.5 thousand people. Reception has been suspended for the time being. They explain this by the fact that the cost is very high. So there are standard costs. Therefore, the recruitment of staff is now suspended.

    – What is the main cause of the accident at the mine “Kazakhstanskaya”?

    – I can’t say, because the state commission is working. When the cause of the fire is clearly established, then it will be possible to draw some conclusions. Until the fire is extinguished. People have not yet been found, two people are being searched. I can’t draw any conclusions right now.

    – The accident at the mine is not the first time. What is it connected with?

    – All mines were acquired in technical, technological terms in normal working condition. But it was a resource created not by them, not by this company. This resource, which was created in Soviet times, is now over. This is the general depreciation of fixed production assets, buildings, structures, a systematic shortage of personnel, and a lack of modernization. We all worked on the old technology. New technologies have not been introduced in 27 years of the company’s operation.

    – Earlier at the President’s reception, ATM Executive Director Lakshmi Mittal promised to ensure that the miners’ work is organized to the highest standards in the field of labor safety and health protection. What do you think about it?

    “They promise but do nothing, and here are the consequences. When a major accident occurs, the state commission works. After that, measures are drawn up: what needs to be done so that these cases do not happen again. Everything is clearly signed, signed and not executed. Because all management decisions and implementation of activities entail funding. Nothing is done for free. All for money.

     

    – You spoke about the wear and tear of equipment, underfunding. That is, the cause of the accident lies in this?

    – Well, of course. I don’t see another. We still have the same level as in the Soviet Union: technologies, buildings, structures. There is nothing new in the mines. Separate equipment is bought, but work is not carried out in the complex. Some injections are being made, but there is no systematic, comprehensive work. All decisions, including financial ones, are made by expat leaders. Local leaders do not have the right to make decisions on financing, hiring people. The director of the mine nominally has the rights as the head of the site. It’s a mine, not a pasta factory. Something can change every minute. All these actions must be promptly responded to. But we can’t respond because there is no stock. Don’t let it be created. There are safety rules, where it is clearly written: there must be a three-day supply of materials on the site. The mine must have a 10-day supply of materials. On a conveyor belt, according to safety regulations, 10 people should work, and 5 are served. Does this improve safety? Of course not. It turns out that 1 person can go to work and serve 500 meters of a conveyor belt. This applies not only to the conveyor, but also to other equipment.

    – Has the company’s safety equipment been checked?

    – There is a moratorium on checking private businesses. Only with the permission of the prosecutor can be checked. The inspector cannot promptly arrive at any time and check. To do this, you need to get permission from the prosecutor. Safety precautions are checked every time. But there is such a thing as moments of hiding minor violations …

    – What measures are the deputies planning to take?

    – It is necessary to review the status of state inspectors in all areas so that they have all the necessary powers. This will give increased control by the state. In the labor law there is no such thing as a headcount standard. It must be tied to the existing number of equipment and the range of equipment. Everything should be clear: the conveyor is of such a brand, it should be served by so many people. It needs to be spelled out clearly. The concept of a population standard should be rigid.

    – You have worked for this company for a long time. How was the security then?

    – I thought when you ask me this question. Yes, I worked. I don’t refuse. But he always defended his position and proved: it should be so. When I worked as a mine director, I had powers. I could lead as a single boss. When he became the director of a coal enterprise, the concept blurred. All leaders were at the same level. The left hand doesn’t know what the right hand is doing. You can take the statistics for the time that I was the director of the mines “Kazakhstan” and the name of Lenin. They worked, there were violations and sudden emissions. I worked according to the safety rules.

    – After the accident at the Kazakhstanskaya mine, deputies of the Mazhilis, members of the AMANAT party demanded that the management of JSC ArcelorMittal Temirtau be held criminally liable. Do you support the appeal of the deputies who call on the company to leave the country?

    – Certainly. They only promise. But how much can you? Sorry, every year five, six people (die). They promised $3 billion in investment. In fact, there was nothing. It was two years ago. They promised to build a large metallurgical plant that would produce 6 million tons of steel. But in fact there is nothing.

    Recall that on August 17, in the development of the coal slope D6 (horizon – 170 m), a conveyor belt caught fire. Then there were 227 people in the mine, people were taken out through the flank shaft from the mine to the surface.

    An accident elimination plan was immediately put in place. By 14:00, 222 workers were brought to the surface. There were five people left in the mine.

    In the evening, the body of one miner was raised to the surface. His identity has been established. The next day, the body of another miner was found at the Kazakhstan mine.

    Also on August 18, the body of a third miner was found.

    The fate of the two miners is still unknown. The search is being conducted by employees of the RTSSH PVASS and the Department of Emergency Situations. The cause of the fire will be investigated.

    There are 11 workers in medical institutions, of which 9 people are in Karaganda, and two people are in Shakhtinsk.

    A criminal case has been initiated on the fact of a fire at a coal mine – a pre-trial investigation has been launched under article 277 of part 3 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The case is under the control of the prosecutor’s office of the Karaganda region. Those responsible for the mine accident could face up to 7 years in prison.

    The Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Alikhan Smailov, demanded that the Ministry of Emergency Situations and the Ministry of Ecology promptly complete the industrial and environmental audits conducted at ArcelorMittal Temirtau JSC in order to make an appropriate decision.

    Murat Mashkenov, Secretary General of the Kazakhstan Confederation of Labor, commenting on the accident at the Kazakhstanskaya mine, said that after the investigation of the incident was completed, a decision should be made in favor of a complete revision of the agreements between the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan and Arcelor Mittal, up to and including breaking off relations.

    On August 19, Alikhan Smailov arrived in the Karaganda region. He met with family members of the miners who died in the accident at the Kazakhstan mine and said that all those responsible would be punished.