Ministry of Energy: Safe gas burn-off operations ongoing at "M25" mine

The Ministry further emphasized that no unexpected incidents have occurred in the "M25" mine area. In September 2024, a methane emission was reported at a well site, and planned conservation efforts are being carried out there, with continuous monitoring in place.

According to the Ministry of Energy, during cleaning operations at well No. 604, small volumes of gas accumulated in voids and collectors near the surface, in microcracks located in distant areas from the well.

At present, the work involves safely burning off the small amount of accumulated gas, with the aim of preventing the release of harmful acidic gases into the atmosphere.

"This process is a standard approach to preventing environmental pollution and fully complies with international industrial safety standards," the Ministry stated.

The planned conservation and preventive operations consist of steps that may be misunderstood by those unfamiliar with the unique characteristics of this technological process. The circulating video is a good example of how such operations can be misinterpreted," the statement continued.

It is important to note that the first accident at the "25th Anniversary of Independence" mine occurred on September 1, and the situation was contained by September 15. A second accident occurred on September 17, resulting in casualties. This information was provided the following day during a press briefing on a different topic at the Agency of Information and Mass Communications. During the briefing on September 18, the Minister of Energy announced that the families of the victims would be compensated by the contracting organization.