President Tokayev threatens ArcelorMittal Temirtau with tough actions

During his meeting with residents of the Mangystau region, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said that ArcelorMittal lacks systematic work in terms of the prevention of industry-related incidents. That’s why the government must take some strict actions against the company.

According to Tokayev, there have been more than 20 industry-related incidents since 2006. They have taken the lives of more than 100 people.

«Despite notices and orders by public agencies, the situation isn’t any better now than before. As a result, we must take urgent and tough actions,» said the president.

Tokayev wants authorized agencies to undertake an overall inspection of the company to see if ArcelorMittal Temirtau meets labor safety and environmental protection requirements.

The president also stressed the importance of finding out if the company’s owner put enough money into the maintenance and technical modernization of the enterprise.

«Probably, we need to hire an international auditor to get a clear understanding of what is going on at the plant. We must take every measure we can to ensure this won’t happen again,» Tokayev said.

On November 3, a release of gas at the mine named after Lenin killed five miners and injured four others. President Tokayev ordered to find out the reason for the tragedy and support the families of those who died and have been injured.