On February 8, 2002, in the mid-western province of Shaanxi, 32 migrant miners in the Chener gold mine were diagnosed with occupational pneumoconiosis, an incurable condition that affects the tissues of the lungs. The number represents a startlingly high proportion of the mine's total of 44 workers. The case first came to light when three miners died last year and there was a media expose about the horrific conditions of the Chener miners. While pneumoconiosis usually results from over a decade of heavy industrial dust exposure, the affected miners (average age of 32) have only worked in the mine for 3-7 years. Among those diagnosed, 28 were found to be seriously ill.

After initially facing indifference from the local County Labour Bureau, the miners have gained access to the Shaanxi Provincial Hygiene Department for consultation.

(Source: China's news agencies)

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Online: 2002-02-09