Glencore has reported two fatalities and five injuries following a blast and fire at its Kazzinc plant in eastern Kazakhstan, reported Bloomberg.
An explosion at the Kazzinc zinc smelter’s dust-collection unit led to a fire and partial building collapse, as confirmed by the Emergency Situations Ministry on 5 May.
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The fire has been extinguished and rescue teams are actively searching for further victims.
Glencore holds around a 70% stake in Kazzinc.
The facility in Ust-Kamenogorsk also processes lead and copper and includes a gold refinery.
A Kazzinc spokeswoman declined to comment regarding the operational status of the site, said the news agency.
Emergency services responded promptly and the injured are receiving medical treatment.
The authorities have been informed and the situation is being managed with a focus on treating those injured.
Local air quality assessments have verified there is no environmental impact from the incident.
The company has stated it will offer support to those affected and employees.
Glencore is currently negotiating the sale of its Kazzinc stake to Shakhmurat Mutalip, a local businessman, in a move that could significantly impact Kazakhstan’s mining industry.
Established in 1997, Kazzinc is a non-ferrous metals company.
It is a key integrated producer of zinc, and also deals significantly in copper, precious metals and lead.
The company’s main activities are located in the East-Kazakhstan, Akmola and Ulytau regions.
In March 2026, Centaurus Metals signed a binding offtake agreement with Glencore for the provision of nickel concentrate from its Jaguar Nickel Sulphide Project in Brazil.
