At least 28 people have died and 18 remain missing after a mine fire in Kazakhstan, according to the Ministry for Emergency Situations. The fire occurred at the Kostenko mine, operated by ArcelorMittal Temirtau, the local unit of Luxembourg-based steelmaker ArcelorMittal. Out of the 252 people at the mine, 206 have been evacuated following what appears to be a methane blast. 18 individuals have sought medical attention.
Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev expressed condolences to the victims’ families and declared a national day of mourning on Oct. 29. Consequently, he ordered his cabinet to stop investment cooperation with ArcelorMittal Temirtau. Both the government and the company have confirmed that they are working on finalizing a deal to nationalize ArcelorMittal Temirtau, which is the largest steel mill in the country.
ArcelorMittal confirmed that discussions have been taking place regarding the future of the company and that a preliminary agreement has been signed to transfer ownership to the Republic of Kazakhstan. They are committed to completing this transaction as soon as possible to minimize disruption.
In the previous month, First Deputy Prime Minister Roman Sklyar disclosed that Kazakhstan was in talks with potential investors who could take over the mill. The cabinet expressed its dissatisfaction with ArcelorMittal’s failure to meet its investment obligations, upgrade equipment, and ensure worker safety after a series of deadly accidents.