Search and rescue operations following the accident at the Tunlan coal mine in Shanxi concluded; 74 people lost their lives
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Xinhua Net, Gujiao, Shanxi, February 22 (Reporters Chen Zhonghua, Yan Guozheng) As of 18:00 on the 22nd, the rescue operations underground following the explosion at the Tunlan mine of Shanxi Coking Coal Group had been completed; so far, 74 people have lost their lives in this accident. No secondary accidents occurred during the rescue operation. According to the emergency response command, the explosion occurred in the South Fourth Pan area of the mine. At the time of the accident, there were 436 workers on duty underground, and the 74 victims included those who died after being brought to the surface as well as those who died underground. Currently, 114 injured people are still under observation and treatment in hospitals, 5 of whom are in critical condition.
Beijing, February 22, CGTN report: Xishan Coal and Electricity Group is currently the largest producer of coking coal in China, offering the widest range of coal varieties as well as coal of the highest quality. Analysts believe that this serious mining accident occurred during a ** sensitive period, which may delay the resumption of operations at small coal mines in Shanxi, thereby affecting the supply of coal there, especially coking coal. Unlike the frequent accidents that occurred in small coal mines in the past, the Tunlan Mine where the accident took place is a key state-owned coal mine. Its original designed annual production capacity was 4 million tons; after technical upgrades in 2005, its approved capacity was increased to 5 million tons. It is a high-gas mine, with an area of 73.33 square kilometers. Its industrial reserves amount to 1.028 billion tons, while the exploitable reserves are 628 million tons. The mine has maintained a record of zero deaths per million tons since 2004. Analysts say that the accident occurred just before the upcoming “**”, which could cast a shadow over the resumption of operations at these small coal mines. Over the years, during sensitive periods such as the Two Festivals and **, Shanxi has attached great importance to coal mine safety, and small coal mines are often shut down for rectification. The shutdown of coal mines during the Spring Festival led to an increase in the price of coking coal, which in turn raised the price of coke at downstream levels. Previously, the market expected that prices of coking coal and coke would fall after coal mines resumed operations in March, but it now seems likely that the Tunlan mine accident will affect coal supplies in Shanxi, particularly those of coking coal. In fact, the Tunlan coal mine is also a high-quality coking coal mine; its coal has excellent properties. The main types of coal produced here are coking coal, fat coal, and a small amount of lean coal. It features low sulfur and phosphorus content, strong cohesion, and good coking properties, making it an excellent raw material for industries such as metallurgy and power generation. It is also an ideal coal option for environmental protection purposes. (Source: China Securities Journal)
Such things are truly unfortunate! Deep condolences! Deep reflection!
Every year, the mine disasters are remembered – are Chinese people really that worthless? !
The lessons of blood must serve as a constant warning; let us not allow such tragedies to happen again. Let’s work together to create a harmonious and safe working environment!
We must pay attention to the safety of employees in enterprises as well as the safety of production activities; we truly need to put people first and give top priority to employee safety. Such accidents have occurred many times in Shanxi – why do they keep happening? Can simply changing a few leaders solve the problem? ! !
Date, Location, Number of Deaths, Cause of Accident and Related Events: December 6, 2007, Hongtong, Shanxi – 105 deaths; gas explosion, with the mine owners hiding the incident. December 22, 2007, Fenyang, Shanxi – 6 deaths; illegal mining activities, gas explosion, with the mine owners hiding the incident. February 24, 2008, Taiyuan Donghe Coal Mine, Shanxi – 6 deaths; water inrush into the mine. March 2, 2008, Shuozhou, Shanxi – 9 deaths; fire on conveyor belts underground in the mine. March 9, 2008, Pingding County, Shanxi – 6 deaths; fire outbreak in a coal mine. May 22, 2008, Yu County, Shanxi – 5 deaths; coal dust explosion. June 13, 2008, Xiaoyi and Ningwu, Shanxi – 34 deaths and 8 injuries; explosion caused by spontaneous combustion due to the use of non-mining equipment, along with the release of toxic gases; water inrush into the mine, with mine owners hiding the incident. July 5, 2008, Changzhi and the southern suburbs of Datong, Shanxi – 10 deaths, at least 21 injured; water inrush underground and gas explosion. August 1, 2008, Loufan, Shanxi – 43 deaths and 2 missing; landslide at an iron mine. September 8, 2008, Xiangfen, Shanxi – 276 deaths (as of October 27); dam failure at a tailings pond, with mine owners hiding the incident. September 20, 2008, Ganhe Coal Mine, Huozhou, Shanxi – 1 death; alleged mine collapse, with mine owners hiding the incident and demanding bribes to cover it up. December 5, 2008, Shanyin County, Shanxi – 8 deaths; water inrush, illegal mining activities, with local authorities hiding the incident. December 30, 2008, Xing County, Shanxi – 4 deaths; release of toxic gases during equipment operation by workers