Mining of Mineral Deposits

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Occupational injury dynamics, accident causes, and risk factors at a mining and processing plant

Bagdagul Uakhitova1, Daulet Zhumadullayev2, Marat Imangazin1, Lazzat Ramatullayeva2, Symbat Shukirova2, Rustem Uakhitov1, Sherkhan Uzenbekov3

1K. Zhubanov Aktobe Regional University, Aktobe, Kazakhstan

2M. Auezov South Kazakhstan Research University, Shymkent, Kazakhstan

3Kazakh National University of Water Management and Irrigation, Taraz, Kazakhstan


Min. miner. depos. 2026, 20(2):64-74


https://doi.org/10.33271/mining20.02.064

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      ABSTRACT

      Purpose. This study aims to analyze occupational injuries at a mining and processing plant over the period from 2009 to 2023, with particular attention to underground facilities as the most hazardous divisions of the enterprise.

      Methods. The methodological basis of the study was a comprehensive statistical and analytical approach to assessing occupational injuries. The initial information base consisted of official occupational accident investigation records and enterprise statistical reporting data for 2009-2023. To quantify the level of occupational injuries, a system of indicators was used, including the injury frequency coefficient, injury severity coefficient, fatal injury coefficient, and overall injury rate. Time-series analysis with sixth-degree polynomial approximation was applied to identify long-term trends and nonlinear fluctuations in injury dynamics.

      Findings. The analysis revealed pronounced nonlinear variability in occupational injury indicators over the fifteen-year period, with the most significant increases observed in 2011, 2014, 2021, and especially in 2022. A total of 227 occupational accidents involving 236 injured workers were recorded, including 19 fatal cases and 83 severe injuries. The results demonstrated a clear concentration of occupational risk in underground mining operations: facilities No. 1 and No. 2 accounted for approximately half of all accidents and 58% of fatal cases, with facility No. 2 showing the highest level of injury risk. The structure of accident causes was dominated by organizational and human-related factors, including inadequate work organization, unsafe worker behavior and other related causes, deficiencies in safety training, and unsatisfactory workplace conditions. Together, these factors accounted for approximately 81% of all recorded injury cases.

      Originality. The study provides an integrated long-term assessment of occupational injuries by combining injury indicators, polynomial trend analysis, accident-cause assessment, division-level comparison, and worker-related risk analysis.

      Practical implications. The findings support targeted improvements in occupational health and safety management, including stronger organizational control, enhanced training and mentoring, workplace modernization, equipment monitoring, and priority preventive measures at underground facilities No. 1 and No. 2.

      Keywords: occupational injuries; underground mining; mining and processing plant; injury frequency; injury severity; accident causes; occupational risk; safety management


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