The Prime Minister of Kazakhstan Alikhan Smailov met with family members of miners killed in the accident at the Kazakhstan mine of ArcelorMittal Temirtau JSC in Karaganda region, and visited the injured miners in the hospital.

During the meeting, Prime Minister expressed his sincere condolences to the families of the deceased miners.

"We share your grief and the severity of the loss," Alikhan Smailov said.

He noted that on the instructions of the Head of State a special commission has been set up to investigate in detail the causes of the accident at the mine.

"All responsible persons will be punished accordingly. There was a similar situation last year. Then the management promised to take all necessary measures and ensure labor safety, to invest. But, as we see, the tragedies continue, the funds are not allocated in the necessary volume. Therefore, the question of what will happen to the owner of this company is now a matter of urgency. The investigation into the past tragedies is also at the stage of completion. It is expected that in September the materials will be submitted to the court and the guilty, including the top management of the company, will be brought to justice. Undoubtedly, we will bring it to the conclusion," Prime Minister emphasized.

During the meeting it was noted that all the families of the victims would be provided with the necessary support from the state and the employer. In particular, survivor benefits from the republican budget and social benefits from the State Social Insurance Fund.

At the same time, the families of the deceased will be paid a lump-sum compensation for moral damages in the amount of 10 times the annual salary and reimbursement of funeral and memorial expenses.

In case of lack of housing, an apartment in Karaganda region will be provided, and free education of children in a higher educational institution will be provided. In addition, the company will take measures for employment of family members and repayment of mortgage loans.

It is stated that the fulfillment of all these obligations will continue even with the change of ownership of ArcelorMittal Temirtau JSC.

As noted by Prime Minister, environmental audit and industrial safety audit with the involvement of international companies are currently being finalized at ArcelorMittal Temirtau. They are expected to be completed during September, based on the results of which appropriate decisions will be made.

During the meeting, the issue of lowering the retirement age for miners was raised. Alikhan Smailov said that legislative amendments are currently being made, which will allow miners to retire earlier - at the age of 55.

The Prime Minister also visited the injured miners at the Multidisciplinary Hospital named after Professor Makazhanov in Karaganda.

It was noted that the company will pay the miners sick leave in the amount of 100% of the average wage, medicines, sanatorium-resort treatment will be provided and moral damages will be compensated.

"Get well soon and return to your families," Alikhan Smailov said.

#Alikhan Smailov #The Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan