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A deadly blast broke out at Glencore-owned Kazzinc’s zinc smelter in Kazakhstan, triggering an emergency response from government rescuers and raising questions over the Swiss miner’s efforts to sell the company.
Two people died and five were injured in an explosion at the metallurgical complex in Ust-Kamenogorsk on Tuesday, according to Kazakhstan’s emergency services ministry.
“A dust collector exploded in the smelting section of the electrolysis unit,” the ministry said. A fire that covered 120 square metres has been extinguished and a portion of the building’s structure has collapsed, according to the statement.
Videos shared on social media by local news outlets showed rescue workers with dogs walking over rubble among the blackened walls and pipes in a section of the plant, as well as smoke rising over the area.
Kazzinc is a major producer of zinc, lead and gold in Kazakhstan, and is 70 per cent owned by Glencore.
The Swiss miner has held discussions about selling its stake in Kazzinc, including talks earlier this year with Kazakh construction entrepreneur Shakhmurat Mutalip.
Glencore said the situation was “currently contained with efforts focused on treating the injured personnel”, and that air quality testing showed “no impact on the environment”.
It added: “Our thoughts are with the family, friends and colleagues of the individuals affected by the incident.”
Last year Kazzinc reported $5.1bn in revenue and $1.65bn in adjusted earnings before interest and tax, higher than the previous year thanks to the higher gold prices.
Kazzinc produced 212,000 tonnes of zinc last year, along with 543,000 troy ounces of gold, according to Glencore’s annual report.
The mayor of the East Kazakhstan region will set up a commission to determine the cause of the explosion, the government said.
“Appropriate measures will be taken to assess the feasibility of continuing the production cycle. At the same time, oversight of safety compliance at the facility will be strengthened,” it added.
Glencore’s share price was little changed. Kazzinc did not respond to a request for comment.
