Gas explosion triggers fatal collapse, kills seven miners in Kazakhstan 

On February 17, seven miners were killed in a mine collapse at the Zhomart mine, owned by Kazakhmys Corporation, in the Ulytau region of Kazakhstan. The Ministry of Emergency Situations of Kazakhstan reported that the miners were trapped underground due to the collapse.

It was confirmed that the mine’s mass had caved in, cutting off communication with the workers due to severed cables.

The Ministry stated that emergency rescue operations are underway.

“Preliminary information suggests that a natural gas explosion, unusual for Kazakhmys Corporation mines, occurred. The details and causes of the incident are being investigated. A special state commission has been formed to investigate the tragedy," said the statement.

To provide social and financial support, including compensation for moral damages, the families of the deceased workers will receive payments equivalent to 10 times the employee's average annual salary. Additionally, over 2 million tenge will be allocated for funeral arrangements.

Other forms of assistance include monthly compensation for the loss of the family breadwinner, tuition payments for children, repayment of the deceased workers’ loans and debts, and other types of support as requested by the families.

Kazakhmys leadership and staff expressed their deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives.

Emergency rescue teams have recovered the bodies of all seven miners. The remains have been transported outside the mine and handed over to police for forensic examination.