"The Georgian Industrial Group expresses its readiness to transfer the company free of charge to the state," the Georgian Industrial Group said in a statement.

"The Georgian Industrial Group expresses deep sorrow over the accident and expresses condolences to the staff of the Sakhnakhari and family members of the deceased miners.

"While the Industrial Group invested tens of millions since 2006, in Saknakshiri, restored full production process, completely changed the existing infrastructure, employed 1,400 miners, also, in recent years the company does everything to improve the security systems, unfortunately, there was not found a solution for the specific nature of the Tkibuli mines, that would make the coal mining totally safe.

Therefore, the Georgian Industrial Group expresses its willingness to transfer the company "Saknakhshiri" to the state free of charge, "the statement reads.