The strike by miners at Mittal Steel coal mines in
Kazakhstan has spread to a further two coal mines belonging to the company. Workers at six out of eight Mittal coal mines in the Karaganda basin are now involved in the strike which began on Monday, September 25.
The striking miners are demanding new equipment and a $15 per hour wage rise.
The exact number of the strikers is unknown. However, coal trade union leader Vyacheslav Sidorov stated, “The only people going into the mine shafts are those who need to keep the life support system running. No coal is being mined”.
Mittal Steel Temirtau officials said that, due to the plant's sufficient coal inventories, the strike would not affect its
production.