By M.E. Dodge
Impunity Watch Reporter, Asia
BEIJING, China – On Sunday, 28 March 2010, more than 123 mine workers died after being trapped underground when a leak in a coalmine caused water to surge into the mine. Reports indicate that there were 261 miners working when water started to flood the coalmine. Only 138 were able to be lifted to safety. Despite efforts by rescuers, the other remaining workers died. The cause of the flooding is still under government investigation.
Wangjialing mine, located in the Shanxi province, and lies between Xiangning county and the city of Hejin The mine covers an area of around 180 sq km (about 70 sq miles) near the heavily polluted mining hub of Linfen. It is also affiliated to state-owned Huajin Coking Coal Co. Ltd., which is a major government-approved project, expected to produce about 6 million tons of coal a year once in full operation.
Experts reviewing the accident theorize that it could have been the result of workers breaking into the old shafts or pits of derelict mines that had filled with water. David Feickert, a coal mine safety adviser to the Chinese government, stated, “It could be that they broke into old workings, works that were not properly mapped out. That’s a common problem with flooding, and Shanxi is an area where they have very extensive mining, a lot of old mines.”
Accidents like that of Wangjialing are not unique in China. Even though China’s mine safety record has improved in recent years, it is still the world’s worst, with blasts and other accidents remain common. China’s work safety administration indicates that 2,631 people died in coal mine accidents in 2009. The cause is many of these accidents is due to relaxed safety methods and poor training. Further, the demand for coal to fuel the country’s strong economic growth also encourages mine operators to open some especially dangerous mines illegally or flout official rules.
Many of those who die belong to China’s growing underclass. They are desperately impoverished boys and men from rural villages. There are presently no unions, and regulatory safety checks on mine safety continues to be minimal, placing the many workers who seek employment as miners at high risk.
For more information, please see:
Reuters – Flood in unfinished China coal mine – 29 March 2010
New York Times – Rescuers Struggle to Free 153 Chinese Miners – 29 March 2010
Associated Press –Flood traps 153 coal miners in northern China – 29 March 2010
