On April 03, 2022, a KTZ goods train derailed on a railroad section between Ust-Kamenogosk and Kumystau in the East-Kazakhstan Region. Seven wagons out of eighteen tipped over to the Irtysh River. No fatalities or injuries have been sustained.
A few wagons are owned by Kazzinc-Temir Trans, a Kazzinc subsidiary. The wagons were carrying copper slag, some of which got into water as a result of the incident.
Investigation of causes and circumstances of the incident is being undertaken by Kazakhstan Temir Zholy (KTZ). Kazzinc specialists have also responded to the location. A special team has been appointed to investigate the situation.
- ‘Prior to transportation, the slag was subjected to high-temperature roasting. It means metals are in a non-soluble form which potentially reduces the environmental impact of of the incident’, - comments Kaztay Takeyev, Chief Environmental Officer of Kazzinc, - ‘Together with its partners, Kazzinc will do their utmost to mitigate the consequences as efficiently as possible.’