Germany is interested in expanding trade with Kazakhstan while also ensuring such trade is not used to circumvent EU sanctions on Russia, Chancellor Olaf Scholz said on a visit to the Central Asian nation.

German Chancellor Scholz visits Kazakhstan, aim to boost German-Kazakh ties

A team of researchers have&nbsp;detected the largest-ever leak of methane in Kazakhstan after combining satellite data from several missions, such as TROPOMI, GHGSat, PRISMA, EnMAP, EMIT and Sentinel-2. Led by Dr Luis Guanter, a professor at the Universitat Politècnica de València and head of the LARS Group at the Institute of Water and Environmental Engineering (IIAMA-UPV), the team found that the leak took place at an oil well in the Central Asian country's Karaturun East field.

A study, quantifying and tracking the extent of methane leaks, has been published in Environmental Science &amp; Technology Letters.

<h2>When did the leak start?</h2>

According to the study, the leak started on June 9, 2023. It led to a 10-metre-high fire and the formation of a&nbsp;15-metre-wide crater. Over the next 205 days, the leak ended up releasing approximately 131.00 metric tons of methane into the atmosphere.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwi8157g07WHAxW-d2wGHTUGAfEQxfQBKAB6BAgQEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/science/decline-in-indias-vulture-population-impacted-human-health-contributing-to-thousands-of-deaths-report-741732" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/science/decline-in-indias-vulture-population-impacted-human-health-contributing-to-thousands-of-deaths-report-741732&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi8157g07WHAxW-d2wGHTUGAfEQxfQBKAB6BAgQEAE">Decline in India`s vulture population impacted human health, contributing to thousands of deaths: Report</a>

It made it the largest methane-leak event in history, outperforming previous events such as Aliso Canyon in 2015, Ohio in 2018, and Louisiana in 2019.

The leak was finally fixed on 25 December 2023 by injecting drilling mud.

<h2>Significance</h2>

The purpose of the study is to devise ways to better deal with such large events of gas leaks and deploy methods to detect plumes in the early stages.

“These optimized methods include the implementation of a tailored filter to detect plumes and specific methane quantification models for hyperspectral instruments,” said researchers.

Scientists rely on data from advanced satellites to detect and quantify methane emissions, especially in faraway regions where events generally go unnoticed.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjqxvbc07WHAxUcUGcHHSm8AysQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/italy-and-kazakhstan-summits-top-diplomatic-agenda-for-new-indian-government-729920" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/italy-and-kazakhstan-summits-top-diplomatic-agenda-for-new-indian-government-729920&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjqxvbc07WHAxUcUGcHHSm8AysQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE">Italy and Kazakhstan summits top diplomatic agenda for new Indian government</a>

“Our work demonstrates how advanced space-based tools are essential for discovering and managing these super-emission events, enabling accurate reconstruction and robust emissions quantification,” said the LARS researchers.

“Natural gas, in addition to being an important energy source, is also a greenhouse gas responsible for almost a third of global warming, as it contains more than 90% methane. The difference with CO2 is that it has a greater impact in the short term, so it is necessary to act at source and reduce emissions,” the researchers noted.

(With inputs from agencies)

A team of researchers have detected the largest-ever leak of methane in Kazakhstan after combining satellite data from several missions, such as TROPOMI, GHGSat, PRISMA, EnMAP, EMIT and Sentinel-2.

A team of researchers have detected the largest-ever leak of methane in Kazakhstan after combining satellite data from several missions, such as TROPOMI, GHGSat, PRISMA, EnMAP, EMIT and Sentinel-2. Led by Dr Luis Guanter, a professor at the Universitat Politècnica de València and head of the LARS Group at the Institute of Water and Environmental Engineering (IIAMA-UPV), the team found that the leak took place at an oil well in the Central Asian country's Karaturun East field. A study, quantifying and tracking the extent of methane leaks, has been published in Environmental Science & Technology Letters. When did the leak start? According to the study, the leak started on June 9, 2023. It led to a 10-metre-high fire and the formation of a 15-metre-wide crater. Over the next 205 days, the leak ended up releasing approximately 131.00 metric tons of methane into the atmosphere. Also read: Decline in India`s vulture population impacted human health, contributing to thousands of deaths: Report It made it the largest methane-leak event in history, outperforming previous events such as Aliso Canyon in 2015, Ohio in 2018, and Louisiana in 2019. The leak was finally fixed on 25 December 2023 by injecting drilling mud. Significance The purpose of the study is to devise ways to better deal with such large events of gas leaks and deploy methods to detect plumes in the early stages. “These optimized methods include the implementation of a tailored filter to detect plumes and specific methane quantification models for hyperspectral instruments,” said researchers. Scientists rely on data from advanced satellites to detect and quantify methane emissions, especially in faraway regions where events generally go unnoticed. Also read: Italy and Kazakhstan summits top diplomatic agenda for new Indian government “Our work demonstrates how advanced space-based tools are essential for discovering and managing these super-emission events, enabling accurate reconstruction and robust emissions quantification,” said the LARS researchers. “Natural gas, in addition to being an important energy source, is also a greenhouse gas responsible for almost a third of global warming, as it contains more than 90% methane. The difference with CO2 is that it has a greater impact in the short term, so it is necessary to act at source and reduce emissions,” the researchers noted. (With inputs from agencies)

'131k tonnes in 205 days': Largest-ever methane leak recorded in Kazakhstan

The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) 2024 &nbsp;Summit is being held on July 4&nbsp;in Astana, Kazakhstan.&nbsp;

This is the 24th SCO Summit and External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar will lead the Indian delegation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will not attend the&nbsp;summit this year as he is to&nbsp;visit Russia from July 8 to 9 after a gap of five years.&nbsp;

<h2>SCO Summit 2024&nbsp;</h2>

The agenda for SCO Summit 2024 is, Strengthening Multilateral Dialogue—Striving Towards a Sustainable Peace and Prosperity. This year the summit will be centred on key areas of cooperation and development prospects between member nations.&nbsp;

Sixteen leaders are expected to attend the 24th Summit in Astana. Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Pakistani Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif and other leaders will be present for the discussions.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sco-summit-xi-meets-old-friend-putin-duo-vows-to-fast-track-power-of-siberia-2-gas-pipeline-project-737590">SCO summit: Xi meets 'old friend' Putin, duo vows to fast-track Power of Siberia 2 gas pipeline project</a>

“Such a high number of participants is due to the high interest in this event, as the summit represents a constructive dialogue platform for all interested countries,” Alisher Tastenov, chief expert at the Asian Studies Department of the Kazakhstan Institute for Strategic Studies (KazISS) told The Astana Times.&nbsp;

<h2>What is India's vision&nbsp;for the Summit?&nbsp;</h2>

India's vision for this year's summit is based on Narendra Modi's vision of a 'secure' SCO. 'Secure' is an acronym for, security, economic cooperation, connectivity, unity, respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, and environmental protection.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;SCO Summit: China to get SCO Presidency after seven years

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/sco-summit-china-to-get-sco-presidency-after-seven-years-736919/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"At the Summit, the leaders are expected to review the organisation's activities over the past two decades and discuss the state and prospects of multilateral cooperation. Topical issues of regional and international importance are also expected to be discussed at the meeting," a press release by the office of the External Affairs Ministry stated.&nbsp;

<h2>More about the SCO Summit&nbsp;</h2>

The Shanghai Cooperation Organization consists of nine members. The six founding nations, are China, Kazakhstan, Russia, Tajikistan, Kyrgyz Republic and Uzbekistan. Three new members were added, India, Pakistan and Iran. Along with that Afghanistan, Mongolia and Belarus are observer nations and there are 14 other dialogue partners.&nbsp;

The SCO was founded in Shanghai in 2001. India was initially an observer nation back in 2005 before it got the status of a permanent member nation in 2017 along with Pakistan.&nbsp;

This year, the summit is being held under the presidency of Kazakhstan as it is currently the chair of the bloc.&nbsp;The 23rd SCO summit took place last year and was hosted by India virtually.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) 2024 Summit is being held on July 4 in Astana, Kazakhstan. This is the 24th SCO Summit and External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar will lead the Indian delegation.

The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) 2024 Summit is being held on July 4 in Astana, Kazakhstan. This is the 24th SCO Summit and External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar will lead the Indian delegation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will not attend the summit this year as he is to visit Russia from July 8 to 9 after a gap of five years. SCO Summit 2024 The agenda for SCO Summit 2024 is, Strengthening Multilateral Dialogue—Striving Towards a Sustainable Peace and Prosperity. This year the summit will be centred on key areas of cooperation and development prospects between member nations. Sixteen leaders are expected to attend the 24th Summit in Astana. Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Pakistani Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif and other leaders will be present for the discussions. Also read | SCO summit: Xi meets 'old friend' Putin, duo vows to fast-track Power of Siberia 2 gas pipeline project “Such a high number of participants is due to the high interest in this event, as the summit represents a constructive dialogue platform for all interested countries,” Alisher Tastenov, chief expert at the Asian Studies Department of the Kazakhstan Institute for Strategic Studies (KazISS) told The Astana Times. What is India's vision for the Summit? India's vision for this year's summit is based on Narendra Modi's vision of a 'secure' SCO. 'Secure' is an acronym for, security, economic cooperation, connectivity, unity, respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, and environmental protection. Watch | SCO Summit: China to get SCO Presidency after seven years "At the Summit, the leaders are expected to review the organisation's activities over the past two decades and discuss the state and prospects of multilateral cooperation. Topical issues of regional and international importance are also expected to be discussed at the meeting," a press release by the office of the External Affairs Ministry stated. More about the SCO Summit The Shanghai Cooperation Organization consists of nine members. The six founding nations, are China, Kazakhstan, Russia, Tajikistan, Kyrgyz Republic and Uzbekistan. Three new members were added, India, Pakistan and Iran. Along with that Afghanistan, Mongolia and Belarus are observer nations and there are 14 other dialogue partners. The SCO was founded in Shanghai in 2001. India was initially an observer nation back in 2005 before it got the status of a permanent member nation in 2017 along with Pakistan. This year, the summit is being held under the presidency of Kazakhstan as it is currently the chair of the bloc. The 23rd SCO summit took place last year and was hosted by India virtually. (With inputs from agencies)

The SCO Summit 2024: Date, agenda, key participants and more

Shanghai Cooperation Organization or the SCO Summit is being held in Astana, Kazakhstan. China's President Xi Jinping will attend the 24th meeting of the Council of Heads of state from the 3rd of July until the 6th of July.

SCO Summit 2024: Two-day SCO Summit starts today

SCO Summit 2024: What's on the agenda?

SCO Summit starts today; world leaders to review bloc activities

SCO Summit 2024: PM Modi skips SCO Summit 2024 in Kazakhstan

SCO Summit 2024: What's on agenda of SCO Summit 2024 in Kazakhstan?

Shanghai Cooperation Organization or the SCO Summit is being held in Astana Kazakhstan. China's President Xi Jinping will attend the 24th meeting of the Council of Heads of state from the 3rd of July until the 6th of July.

SCO Summit: China to get SCO Presidency after seven years

China to get SCO Presidency after seven years, President Xi Jinping arrives in Astana

Chinese President Xi Jinping to attend SCO summit in Kazakhstan

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is unlikely to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Kazakhstan that is taking place on July 3 in Astana. Although, there is no official reason has been given the Indian Parliament will be in session during the week.

India likely to send other representative to SCO summit, PM Modi unlikely to attend SCO meet

As the new Indian government, under Narendra Modi, prepares to take office, a busy foreign policy agenda awaits, with both high-level incoming and outgoing visits. Modi's 3rd term begins with the high-profile oath-taking ceremony on Sunday (June 9), attended by leaders of the seven neighbouring countries, from the western arch of the Indian Ocean to the Himalayas.&nbsp;

The list of dignitaries includes Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe, Maldivian President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, Seychelles Vice-President Ahmed Afif, Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Mauritian Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, Nepalese Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda', and Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ahead-of-his-india-visit-maldives-president-muizzu-says-ties-are-heading-in-a-positive-direction-729851">Ahead of his India visit for Modi swearing-in, Maldives Prez Muizzu says ties heading in positive direction</a>

Following the inauguration, the new government's first foreign policy engagement involves bilateral meetings with each visiting leader with a focus on connectivity to developing&nbsp;partnership under Delhi's neighbourhood first policy. Maldives President's presence shows ties coming back on track between the two&nbsp;countries.&nbsp;

Next on the agenda is the BRICS foreign ministers meeting in Russia, scheduled for next week. With portfolio allocations yet to be announced for the Ministry of External Affairs, details on Indian representation are awaited.&nbsp;

PM Modi's first international visit post-inauguration will be to Italy for the G7 summit in Fasano, Apulia, from June 13 to 15. The West-led grouping will see Modi sharing the stage with U.S. President Joe Biden, French President Emmanuel Macron, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Additionally, over ten other countries, including UAE, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, Ukraine, Brazil, Argentina and the Vatican are invited.

Watch:&nbsp;PM Narendra Modi swearing-in ceremony: Security increased for PM Modi's swearing-in

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pm-narendra-modi-swearing-in-ceremony-security-increased-for-pm-modis-swearing-in-729866/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

While there is no confirmation on specific bilateral meetings, the gathering offers ample opportunities for the Indian PM to engage with multiple world leaders. Protocol dictates a bilateral meeting with the host, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. While a meeting with Zelenskyy on the sidelines could be a possibility, Modi's attendance at the Swiss peace summit seems unlikely due to the new Parliament session likely commencing on June 15.

Post-G7, U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan will visit Delhi to engage the new government on U.S.-India priorities, including the strategic technology partnership under the Critical and Emerging Technologies (iCET) initiative.

The White House readout of the Modi-Biden congratulatory call confirmed the visit. The readout said the visit would be to "engage the new government on shared U.S.-India priorities, including the trusted, strategic technology partnership." His visit to Delhi, for the Critical and Emerging Technologies (iCET) initiative has been postponed in the past.

In early July, Modi will attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Astana, Kazakhstan. This summit brings together leaders from Russia, China, Pakistan, Iran, and Central Asian countries. While Modi will likely have numerous bilateral meetings, any progress on Indo-China or Indo-Pakistan relations remains improbable. 
&nbsp;

As the new Indian government, under Narendra Modi, prepares to take office, a busy foreign policy agenda awaits, with both high-level incoming and outgoing visits.

As the new Indian government, under Narendra Modi, prepares to take office, a busy foreign policy agenda awaits, with both high-level incoming and outgoing visits. Modi's 3rd term begins with the high-profile oath-taking ceremony on Sunday (June 9), attended by leaders of the seven neighbouring countries, from the western arch of the Indian Ocean to the Himalayas. The list of dignitaries includes Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe, Maldivian President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, Seychelles Vice-President Ahmed Afif, Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Mauritian Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, Nepalese Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda', and Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay. Also Read: Ahead of his India visit for Modi swearing-in, Maldives Prez Muizzu says ties heading in positive direction Following the inauguration, the new government's first foreign policy engagement involves bilateral meetings with each visiting leader with a focus on connectivity to developing partnership under Delhi's neighbourhood first policy. Maldives President's presence shows ties coming back on track between the two countries. Next on the agenda is the BRICS foreign ministers meeting in Russia, scheduled for next week. With portfolio allocations yet to be announced for the Ministry of External Affairs, details on Indian representation are awaited. PM Modi's first international visit post-inauguration will be to Italy for the G7 summit in Fasano, Apulia, from June 13 to 15. The West-led grouping will see Modi sharing the stage with U.S. President Joe Biden, French President Emmanuel Macron, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Additionally, over ten other countries, including UAE, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, Ukraine, Brazil, Argentina and the Vatican are invited. Watch: PM Narendra Modi swearing-in ceremony: Security increased for PM Modi's swearing-in While there is no confirmation on specific bilateral meetings, the gathering offers ample opportunities for the Indian PM to engage with multiple world leaders. Protocol dictates a bilateral meeting with the host, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. While a meeting with Zelenskyy on the sidelines could be a possibility, Modi's attendance at the Swiss peace summit seems unlikely due to the new Parliament session likely commencing on June 15. Post-G7, U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan will visit Delhi to engage the new government on U.S.-India priorities, including the strategic technology partnership under the Critical and Emerging Technologies (iCET) initiative. The White House readout of the Modi-Biden congratulatory call confirmed the visit. The readout said the visit would be to "engage the new government on shared U.S.-India priorities, including the trusted, strategic technology partnership." His visit to Delhi, for the Critical and Emerging Technologies (iCET) initiative has been postponed in the past. In early July, Modi will attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Astana, Kazakhstan. This summit brings together leaders from Russia, China, Pakistan, Iran, and Central Asian countries. While Modi will likely have numerous bilateral meetings, any progress on Indo-China or Indo-Pakistan relations remains improbable.

Italy and Kazakhstan summits top diplomatic agenda for new Indian government

A former economy minister of Kazakhstan was sentenced to 24 years in prison for murdering his wife following a widely watched trial. Kuandyk Bishimbayev, 44, was found guilty of torture and murder by the court. Watch in for more details!

Former Kazakh minister sentenced to 24 years in prison for murdering his wife

#Gravitas | why is the US Buying soviet scrap? Reports say it has acquired 81 soviet-era combat aircraft from Kazakhstan. All these aircraft are obsolete and not in usable condition. Will the US Send them to Ukraine?

US buys 81 soviet-era aircraft from Kazakhstan, claims report

The United States has reportedly procured 81 outdated Soviet-era combat aircraft from Kazakhstan. The purpose behind the US acquisition remains undisclosed, but speculation suggests potential deployment in Ukraine, where similar aircraft are still in service. Watch in for more details!

US buys soviet fighter jets from Russian ally, says report

As hundreds of thousands of people evacuate flooded areas in Russia and Kazakhstan, ---Scientists ask, is climate change warming the Ural mountains and western Siberia? Watch in for more details!

Russia Kazakhstan floods: Floods grip north Kazakhstan, rescue efforts underway

As hundreds of thousands of people evacuate flooded areas in Russia and Kazakhstan, ---Scientists ask, is climate change warming the Ural mountains and western Siberia?

Russia, Kazakhstan fight floods, hundreds of houses & plots flooded in Russian regions

Russia, Kazakhstan fight floods; more than 110,000 evacuated in Kazakhstan

Russia has said that the situation is tense as the flood waters continue to rise in the city of Orenburg and surrounding areas. Kremlin spokesperson Dimitri Peskov has warned that large amounts of water are coming to new regions.

100,000 people evacuated in Kazakhstan floods

Flood havoc in Russian and Kazakhstan

- UK to use new laser tech in Ukraine war? - UK tightens grip on migration - Kazakhstan on high alert amid flooding - Biden: Trilateral summit a 'new era of partnership' - UK appoints first woman High Commissioner to India

UK to use new laser tech in Ukraine war? | Kazakhstan on high alert amid flooding

Russia-Kazakhstan floods: Floodwaters continue to rise

In pics | Russia's worst flooding in decades sparks rare protest

Russia and Kazakhstan ordered more than 100,000 people to evacuate after swiftly melting snow swelled mighty rivers beyond bursting point in the worst flooding in the area for at least 70 years.

Russia-Kazakhstan floods: Region's worst floods in seven decades

Russia-Kazakhstan floods: Over 100,000 ordered to evacuate

Kazakhstan former Economy Minister has been charged with beating his wife to death with a case garnering public attention.

Kazakhstan: Former Economy Minister Kuandyk Bishimbayev charged with wife's murder

After the government of Kazakhstan declared its intention to take over Arcelormittal SA's activities in the nation in the wake of the country's worst mining tragedy in recent memory, the company's stock dropped by as much as 5.5%.

Arcelormittal stock plummets as Kazakhstan government intervenes | World Business Watch

Kazakhstan held nationwide mourning on Sunday after 45 people died in a blaze at an ArcelorMittal mine, the worst accident in the Central Asian country's post-Soviet history.

The tragedy, which struck at the Kostenko coal mine in the Karaganda region Saturday, came after a series of deadly incidents at ArcelorMittal mines and has prompted the nationalisation of the company's local affiliate.&nbsp;

"As of 3 pm (0900 GMT) the bodies of 42 people were found," Kazakhstan's emergency services said on social media.&nbsp;

<h2>The search for one miner&nbsp;continues</h2>

Later, authorities said the bodies of three others had been found and rescuers were searching for the last miner missing, with little hope of finding him alive.&nbsp;

Rescuers earlier warned that chances of finding the remaining miners alive were "very low", due to the lack of ventilation and the force of Saturday's explosion, which spread over two kilometres (1.2 miles).

The previous deadliest mine accident in post-Soviet Kazakhstan occurred in 2006, killing 41 miners at another ArcelorMittal site. It came just two months after another incident killed five miners.&nbsp;

Anger and disbelief reigned after the disaster&nbsp;in Karaganda, central Kazakhstan.

"Every miner is a hero, because when he goes down, he does not know if he will come back or not," said former miner Sergei Glazkov.&nbsp;

Many welcomed the government's move towards nationalisation, angered by the company's safety record.&nbsp;

Daniar Mustafin, a 42-year-old salesman, said he favoured "full nationalisation without material compensation for the current owners".

President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has ordered cooperation with the Luxembourg-based company to be "brought to an end."

In a statement on its Kazakh website, ArcelorMittal said its thoughts were with the families of those who lost loved ones.

"We understand that there is no adequate compensation for their losses, but we will do everything in our power to support them in the coming weeks and months", it said.

"ArcelorMittal has owned these mines in Kazakhstan since 1995. Unfortunately their operation poses a high safety risk due to the complicated geology, which has resulted in a number of deadly accidents over the past two years", it said.

Speaking to victims' relatives at the mine, Tokayev called ArcelorMittal "the worst enterprise in Kazakhstan's history in terms of cooperation with the government".

The Kazakh government and the steel giant announced a preliminary agreement to "transfer ownership of the (local) firm in favour of the Republic of Kazakhstan", Prime Minister Alikhan Smailov stated.

In its statement, ArcelorMittal said that the previous week, "the two parties... signed a preliminary agreement" to transfer ownership of the mine to Kazakhstan.

On Sunday, flags were at half-mast to mark the day of national mourning declared by Tokayev, an AFP correspondent saw.

Since the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, about 200 miners have died in Kazakhstan, the vast majority at ArcelorMittal sites.&nbsp;

<h2>&nbsp;'His guardian angel saved him'&nbsp;</h2>

There were 252 people inside the mine when the fire started, ArcelorMittal said.&nbsp;

Outside a hospital in Karaganda, relatives of those who had survived the blast were thanking the heavens. &nbsp;

"His guardian angel saved him. He is alive," said Nikolai Bralin, the brother of an injured miner.&nbsp;

"Two of his ribs were slightly torn apart from the blow and he had surgery to put them back in place," he added.&nbsp;

ArcelorMittal's arrival in Kazakhstan in 1995 was initially seen as a beacon of hope during the economic slump that followed the fall of communism.&nbsp;

But a lack of investment and inadequate safety standards were repeatedly criticised by the authorities, while trade unions called for tighter government control.&nbsp;

ArcelorMittal, led by Indian businessman Lakshmi Mittal, operates some 15 factories and mines in the centre of the former Soviet republic. 
 
(With inputs from agencies) 
 
&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

<iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe>

Kazakhstan held nationwide mourning on Sunday after 45 people died in a blaze at an ArcelorMittal mine, the worst accident in the Central Asian country's post-Soviet history.

Kazakhstan held nationwide mourning on Sunday after 45 people died in a blaze at an ArcelorMittal mine, the worst accident in the Central Asian country's post-Soviet history. The tragedy, which struck at the Kostenko coal mine in the Karaganda region Saturday, came after a series of deadly incidents at ArcelorMittal mines and has prompted the nationalisation of the company's local affiliate. "As of 3 pm (0900 GMT) the bodies of 42 people were found," Kazakhstan's emergency services said on social media. The search for one miner continues Later, authorities said the bodies of three others had been found and rescuers were searching for the last miner missing, with little hope of finding him alive. Rescuers earlier warned that chances of finding the remaining miners alive were "very low", due to the lack of ventilation and the force of Saturday's explosion, which spread over two kilometres (1.2 miles). The previous deadliest mine accident in post-Soviet Kazakhstan occurred in 2006, killing 41 miners at another ArcelorMittal site. It came just two months after another incident killed five miners. Anger and disbelief reigned after the disaster in Karaganda, central Kazakhstan. "Every miner is a hero, because when he goes down, he does not know if he will come back or not," said former miner Sergei Glazkov. Many welcomed the government's move towards nationalisation, angered by the company's safety record. Daniar Mustafin, a 42-year-old salesman, said he favoured "full nationalisation without material compensation for the current owners". President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has ordered cooperation with the Luxembourg-based company to be "brought to an end." In a statement on its Kazakh website, ArcelorMittal said its thoughts were with the families of those who lost loved ones. "We understand that there is no adequate compensation for their losses, but we will do everything in our power to support them in the coming weeks and months", it said. "ArcelorMittal has owned these mines in Kazakhstan since 1995. Unfortunately their operation poses a high safety risk due to the complicated geology, which has resulted in a number of deadly accidents over the past two years", it said. Speaking to victims' relatives at the mine, Tokayev called ArcelorMittal "the worst enterprise in Kazakhstan's history in terms of cooperation with the government". The Kazakh government and the steel giant announced a preliminary agreement to "transfer ownership of the (local) firm in favour of the Republic of Kazakhstan", Prime Minister Alikhan Smailov stated. In its statement, ArcelorMittal said that the previous week, "the two parties... signed a preliminary agreement" to transfer ownership of the mine to Kazakhstan. On Sunday, flags were at half-mast to mark the day of national mourning declared by Tokayev, an AFP correspondent saw. Since the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, about 200 miners have died in Kazakhstan, the vast majority at ArcelorMittal sites. 'His guardian angel saved him' There were 252 people inside the mine when the fire started, ArcelorMittal said. Outside a hospital in Karaganda, relatives of those who had survived the blast were thanking the heavens. "His guardian angel saved him. He is alive," said Nikolai Bralin, the brother of an injured miner. "Two of his ribs were slightly torn apart from the blow and he had surgery to put them back in place," he added. ArcelorMittal's arrival in Kazakhstan in 1995 was initially seen as a beacon of hope during the economic slump that followed the fall of communism. But a lack of investment and inadequate safety standards were repeatedly criticised by the authorities, while trade unions called for tighter government control. ArcelorMittal, led by Indian businessman Lakshmi Mittal, operates some 15 factories and mines in the centre of the former Soviet republic. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Kazakhstan: 45 killed in ArcelorMittal mine disaster

At least 45 people have died and one miner is still trapped underground after a mine fire in Kazakhstan, the Ministry for Emergency Situations said on Saturday.

Kazakhstan mine tragedy: 45 dead, 1 miner still trapped underground; rescue operation underway

At least 30 people have died and 14 remain missing after a mine fire in Kazakhstan, the Ministry for Emergency Situations said on Saturday.

At least 30 dead, 14 missing after ArcelorMittal mine fire in Kazakhstan

kazakhstan

Kazakhstan, News on Kazakhstan, stories on Kazakhstan, articles on Kazakhstan, Kazakhstan stories at Wion, Kazakhstan news, Kazakhstan latest news