Five miners trapped underground in Zanhuang County, Hebei Province when their mine collapsed five days ago have been confirmed dead, and their bodies have been recovered.

The mine collapsed at 16.30 on 7 June and caused mud to surge into the mine trapping five miners working in there. It is believed that the accident was due to an unknown disused mine shaft nearby which had collapsed.

Sixteen rescue experts from the Xingtai and the Jingxing mining bureaus reportedly took part in the rescue operation, however due to the fragility of some parts of the mine and its geological structure the rescue work was severely hampered.

The accident has prompted a review of all mines in Zanhuang County although it is not known if it has led to a halt in current production.

Given the continued lack of proper progress towards safe working conditions throughout China it is not known if the current review will in fact stop the relentless chain of accidents. China Labour Bulletin believes that any real progress towards a safe working environment for miners in China must include the establishment of worker health and safety committees which would allow miners themselves to promote and implement measures which would help stop the man-made and avoidable accidents that continue to claim their lives.


25 June 2003