Mangistau region: one person dead, another injured while working on a well, 02 May 2023

[Summary translation prepared by Business and Human Rights Resource Centre]

During welding work at a well at the Zhetybay field in the Mangistau region, one worker died and another was injured, the Lada.kz website reported, citing the press service of the Mangistaumunaigas company. According to Mangistaumunaigas, the incident occurred on April 29 at about 4:40 pm (5:40 pm Astana time). According to preliminary data, at well No. 5613 GU-28 of the Zhetybaymunaigas production department, a team of the Kazakh-Chinese drilling company "Great Wall" carried out installation work. During the welding work, a blast occurred.

The electric-gas welder, a citizen of Kazakhstan, died on the spot from his wounds. The drilling rig master, a Chinese citizen, suffered a head injury and was taken to a rural hospital, the Mangistaumunaigas press service said. The company called the incident an "accident."

Police officers of the Mangystau region arrived at the scene. The police announced the start of an investigation in order to clarify the circumstances of the incident... “The circumstances and causes of the accident are being investigated,” the press service of Mangistaumunaigas said.

In the oil-producing Mangistau region, workers often go on strike demanding better working conditions and workplace safety.