[Translation prepared by Business & Human Rights Resource Centre]

Death of Kazakhmys miners: criminal case opened, 7 October 2024

A criminal case was opened into the death of two employees of the Sayak-3 mine. The Department of Labor also created a special commission, Kazinform reports.

“In connection with the emergency that occurred at the Sayak-3 mine, a criminal case was opened under Article 277, part 2 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan, concerning the violation of safety rules during mining, construction or other work that resulted in the death of a person or other serious consequences through negligence. At the moment, the police are conducting an investigation aimed at establishing all the circumstances of the incident,” the press service of the Department of Labor of the Karaganda region reported...

At the Sayak-3 mine, owned by Kazakhmys...there was a carbon monoxide release. As a result, two mine employees died, one was injured. "All workers were promptly evacuated. The injured were taken to the nearest medical facilities. Unfortunately, two workers died. The circumstances and causes of the incident are being investigated," the press service of Kazakhmys reported...The company's management promises to provide the families of the deceased with all necessary assistance...