Kazakhstan mine fire death toll reaches 38

The death toll as a result of the accident at the Kostenko mine of the ArcelorMittal Temirtau company in Karaganda has increased to 38, the search for 8 more miners continues.

 "Information as of 14:00 [12:00 - Baku time]. The bodies of 38 dead people were found at the Kostenko mine, the search for 8 miners continues. Conducting search operations is hampered by the presence of destroyed mining equipment, as well as dumping in some places," Report informs, citing the press service of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of Kazakhstan.

Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, who expressed condolences to the victims' families and declared a national day of mourning on Oct. 29, ordered his cabinet to stop investment cooperation with ArcelorMittal Temirtau.

The company said it had suspended operation of coal unit mines for 24 hours for gas protection checks. The government and company also confirmed they were working to finalise a deal to nationalise the company, which operates the country's biggest steel mill.

"ArcelorMittal can also confirm, as communicated earlier today by the government of Kazakhstan, that the two parties have been in discussions concerning the future of ArcelorMittal Temirtau and recently signed a preliminary agreement for a transaction that will transfer ownership to the Republic of Kazakhstan," the miner said.