On Saturday, October 28, 2023, in the Karaganda Region of Kazakhstan, a fire broke out at the Kostenko coal mine, a property managed by the Luxembourg-based steel corporation ArcelorMittal.
By Sunday, the death toll escalated to 46, with another four people yet to be located. This incident is the most recent in a series of fatalities at facilities overseen by ArcelorMittal Temirtau in Kazakhstan.
According to several sources, rescue operations have been obstructed due to the extensive damage to the mining apparatus and the presence of rubble. There were 252 workers at the mine when the fire ignited, making the rescue efforts even more critical.
The preliminary belief surrounding the cause of this calamity is a methane gas explosion. Investigations are ongoing to determine the exact circumstances of the explosion and subsequent fire.
Prior incidents involving ArcelorMittal Temirtau have raised concerns about worker safety and infrastructure integrity. Given the series of tragic events, reactions from the national government have been swift. The Kazakh President, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, proclaimed Sunday a National Day of Mourning, and the country’s prosecutor-general’s office has initiated an investigation into potential safety infractions.
Kazakhstan announced its intentions to nationalize ArcelorMittal Temirtau. Preliminary agreements with the company’s shareholders have been reached, and the process of “formalizing” the nationalization is currently underway.
Responding to the situation, ArcelorMittal Temirtau announced a cessation of all coal mining activities in Kazakhstan. The company expressed sorrow over the lost lives and pledged cooperation with government authorities.
As the investigation unfolds, many wait to see what further actions will be taken to prevent such incidents and ensure mine workers’ safety.