Fire in ArcelorMittal mine; 319 people evacuated

Photo courtesy of Kazakhstan Ministry of Emergency Situations©

There was a massive fire in Kostenko mine in Karaganda. The mine is owned by ArcelorMittal Temirtau. 319 people had to be evacuated, Kazakhstan Emergency Situations Ministry reported.No casualties are reported. The fire started at the depth of 30 meters. 52 firemen were involved in firefighting. “Preparations are made to install gypsum bulkheads; four Temp units and five sets of ducts have been delivered to the site,” the Ministry writes. A mobile gas-analysis laboratory has been delivered as well. The situation is not expected to effect the production process.This is not the first case of fire in ArcelorMittal Temirtau mines. Saranskaya mine near Karaganda went on fire in June 2010 with no casualties. 265 people were evacuated that time.