Inspectors from two ministries examine coal mines belonging to Soma Holding

İZMİR - Doğan News Agency

Following the disaster at Eymir mine, officials closed it down, along with Işıklar (pictured) and Ata Bacası mines belonging to the same company in Manisa.

Inspectors from two ministries have completed their examinations at two separate coal mines belonging to Soma Holding and their final opinion on whether the mines are eligible to reopen is expected to be announced this week.

The mines are owned by Soma Holding, where 301 workers were killed May 13, sparking national outrage at the negligence shown.

Following the disaster that took place at Eymir mine, officials closed it down, along with the Işıklar and Ata Bacası mines, all belonging to the same company and are located in the town of Soma in the province of Manisa. The tragedy at the Eymir Mine was the largest industrial accident in Turkey’s history.

The company’s technical workers recently completed maintenance work at Işıklar and Ata Bacası and appealed to the Inspection Board of the Labor and Social Security Ministry. Afterward, inspectors from the ministry examined both mines personally entering the mines. They were followed by another group of inspectors from the energy and Natural Resources Ministry, who also entered the mines.

A report from the inspectors is expected to be announced later this week.

The Soma accident triggered an investigation into the operating company, whose officials deny any wrongdoing. The company’s chairman, Can Gürkan, and general manager, Ramazan Doğru, are still under arrest, along with several other officials while the owner, Alp Gürkan, is being investigated on charges of fraud.