Special Commission reveals main cause of fatal accident at Zhomart mine, as investigation continues
The preliminary results of the investigation into the incident at Zhomart mine operated by Kazakhmys Corporation have been addressed during a meeting of the special commission led by Kazakh Vice Premier Kanat Bozumbayev, as instructed by Head of State Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Kazinform News Agency has learnt from the press service of the Kazakh government.
According to the press service, during the investigation, eight sub-commissions were created, with experts and specialists of scientific and research institutes and laboratories being engaged.
The Emergency Situations, Internal Affairs and Labor and Social Protection of the People Ministries made their reports on the investigation of the accident. Members of the Commission and Sub-commissions interviewed witnesses and eyewitnesses, surveyed manufacturing process, soundness of technical devices and equipment, carried out relevant examinations.
As the Commission found, the main cause of the accident is accumulation and release of methane in the mine triggering an explosion from a spark from electrical equipment. In addition, violations of industrial safety and labor protection were detected; those responsible for the accident were identified.
During the meeting, Ulytau region governor Dastan Rysspekov and Kazakhmys Corporation Board Chairman Nurakhmet Nuriyev reported on the social support measures taken, including the assistance and compensation payments to the families of those killed in the accident.
Kazakhmys Corporation halted operations at its Zhomart mine. The Commission developed measures to prevent similar accidents at hazardous industrial facilities.
Following the meeting, Bozumbayev gave a number of instructions to Kazakhmys Corporation LLP to eliminate violations and prevent accidents as well as enhance safety in mines, introduce automated gas content determination systems, video surveillance and so on.
As earlier reported, seven workers were trapped inside an underground shaft at Zhomart mine in Ulytau region, Kazakhstan.
The incident occurred at around 4:50 pm local time on February 17, 2025, 150km away from Zhezkazgan town.
The bodies of all seven workers were retrieved, the Emergency Situations Ministry said. Names of miners killed at the Zhomart mine were revealed.