Kazakhmys copper mine cave-in likely caused by gas explosion - Kazakh dep PM

ASTANA. Feb 19 (Interfax) - A gas explosion was the likely cause of the cave-in that killed seven workers at the Zhomart copper mine, operated by Kazakhmys, in Kazakhstan's Ulytau region on February 17.

"According to preliminary data, a natural gas explosion occurred at the mine. Together with the members of the commission, the accident site was inspected, and a meeting was held with the families of the deceased," Deputy Prime Minister Kanat Bozumbayev said during a government meeting in Astana.

Bozumbayev said two subcommittees had been set up: one to determine the exact cause of the accident and the other to identify safety violations. "The subcommittees are expected to complete their investigations within 10 days. Mining operations at the site have been suspended," he said.

The police have opened a criminal case into safety violations during mining or construction activities in connection with the accident.

Kazakhmys is Kazakhstan's largest copper producer. The company owns 10 copper mines, five mining and processing plants, two copper smelters and two coal mines.