The mine is part of the Donskoy Ore Mining and Processing Plant, operated by Kazchrome, one of the country’s leading chromium ore producers and a major global supplier of ferroalloys.
Three on-duty electrical fitters suffered burns to their faces and hands in the on May 26 incident. All three ended up hospitalized in Khromtau, with two in intensive care in serious condition, and the third in moderate condition in the trauma department, according to the Diapazon.kz news portal.
The officials met with company management and government representatives. Tulenbergenov also visited the injured workers at the hospital. A commission, chaired by Yesseneyev, has been formed to investigate the accident.
“The commission will determine the circumstances and causes of the incident,” the ministry said in a statement. “Due to repeated hydrogen emissions and to ensure worker safety, we made a decision to suspend all operations at the mine temporarily.”
The ministry also said research institutes should take part in studying hydrogen emissions and other associated gases and assess their impact on workplace safety. Additionally, local police launched a pre-trial investigation under a provision of the Criminal Code related to violations of safety regulations in mining or construction work that result in serious or moderate harm.