At the 'Zhomart' mine operated by Kazakhmys Corporation LLP in the Zhanaarka district of the Ulytau region, a collapse of rock mass occurred in the shaft.
According to the press service of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the bodies of seven mine workers were found under the rubble. They were brought to the surface and handed over to the police for forensic examination. Preliminary reports indicate that the collapse was caused by a natural gas explosion.
On the instructions of the Prime Minister, Olzhas Bektenov, a special commission was established at the scene of the tragedy to investigate the causes and provide assistance to those affected.
The regional police department reported that a criminal case has been initiated on this matter under Article 277, Part 3, 'Violation of safety rules during mining or construction works' of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
In turn, the management and staff of Kazakhmys expressed their condolences to the relatives and loved ones of the deceased. The company promised to provide all necessary assistance.
"For the purposes of social and material support, including compensation for moral harm, the families of the deceased will be paid 10 times the average annual earnings of the worker, as well as over 2 million tenge to cover funeral expenses," the statement said.
In addition, monthly payments for the loss of a breadwinner, payment for children's education, repayment of debts and loans of the deceased workers, and other types of assistance upon application from family members have been provided for.
President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev sent a telegram of condolences to the relatives and loved ones of the deceased. The Head of State instructed the government to conduct a thorough investigation into the causes of the incident.
It is worth recalling that on 6 November 2023, a shift boss died at a Kazakhmys mine while carrying out work. That tragedy was classified as an accident.
On 27 November of the same year, Kazakhmys reported an accident at the 'Zhaisan' mine in the Zhambyl region, as a result of which two workers died.
In December, another worker died at the 'Zhylandy' mine of Kazakhmys in the Ulytau region. The company's press service reported then that death occurred as a result of an unintentional run-over by an underground self-propelled vehicle.
In October 2024, a carbon monoxide release occurred at the 'Sayak-3' mine of the Kazakhmys corporation in the Karaganda region. Two workers died, and several others were taken to hospital.
In January 2025, at the 'Annenskaya' mine of the East Zhezkazgan mine operated by Kazakhmys in the Ulytau region, a crusher operator of the 5th grade died as a result of an industrial accident.