A personal meeting between the head of Kazakhmys Corporation LLP, R. Öskenäli, and the workforce took place at the South Zhezkazgan mine. Following the negotiations, the miners agreed to return to work, and the mine resumed operations in normal mode. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Kursiv Media.
The meeting lasted about two hours. During the meeting, issues of wages, industrial safety, enterprise modernization, environmental projects, and social initiatives of the company were discussed.
R. Öskenäli noted that during his tenure as chairman of the board, communication issues between management and the workforce remained unresolved.
"I have been working as chairman of this corporation for five months. We just spent two hours working with the initiative group that came on your behalf. We reviewed all the issues you raised. Communication with you was at zero, let's say it directly," he stated.
During the meeting, the corporation's management presented information on current and planned projects related to enterprise development, improving working conditions, and implementing social programs in the region. According to company representatives, the new approach involves simultaneous development of production capacities, social infrastructure, and environmental projects.
Special attention was paid to the condition of production facilities. The head of the corporation admitted that the plant and copper smelter need serious renovation. According to him, the company has already begun implementing an equipment modernization program and is increasing investments in production capacity development.
Priorities also include industrial safety and improving working conditions. The corporation's management announced plans to upgrade equipment, which should help reduce production risks and ensure stable operation of the enterprise in the long term.
The company also continues to implement social projects in the region. Over the next two years, 32 billion tenge is planned to be allocated for the development of Zhezkazgan and Satpayev. Currently, reconstruction of the Kengir reservoir, construction of a theater, and other infrastructure facilities are underway.
According to the company, investments in geological exploration at the Zhezkazgan deposit have been increased from $5 million to $40 million per year. The corporation believes this will expand the resource base and ensure sustainable operation of enterprises in the region in the future.
One of the key environmental projects will be the construction of a sulfuric acid workshop at the copper smelter. After its launch, it is planned to completely eliminate sulfur dioxide emissions.
A separate block of issues concerned workers' wages. Öskenäli stated that he had ordered a check of wage calculations and prescribed allowances.
"If someone is currently receiving incorrect wages or not receiving their 30%, we need to sort it out by name and by fact. I will personally handle all issues together with the initiative group in the coming days," he said.
Workers had the opportunity to ask management questions and receive answers. Following the discussion, the parties agreed to continue interaction on a permanent basis.
According to Öskenäli, meetings with workforce representatives will be held monthly, followed by a report on the implementation of previously given instructions.
"We will work openly and provide our plan. There will be no empty talk," the head of the corporation emphasized.
He also stated that he would personally monitor the consideration of all raised issues and would remain at the mine until their detailed study is completed.
Concluding the meeting, the chairman of the board separately addressed the issue of possible consequences for strike participants.
"There will be no persecution, that is out of the question," Öskenäli stated.
After the negotiations, the miners decided to return to work. The South Zhezkazgan mine resumed operations in normal mode.