Punishments delivered for 2023 coal mine explosion in Heilongjiang

Forty-six people have been held accountable for a gas explosion in a coal mine in Shuangyashan, Heilongjiang province, in November 2023, China Central Television reported on Wednesday.

The blast occurred at Shuangyang Coal Mine, killing 11 people and injuring six, the report said. It led to direct economic losses of more than 19.5 million yuan ($2.7 million).

Investigators found that the explosion was the result of serious illegal operations at the mine, chaotic safety management and inadequate safety supervision by superior companies, according to Heilongjiang bureau of National Mine Safety Administration.

The report also listed as indirect causes the fact that the second installation surface on the left side of the mine illegally discharged gas naturally, and the air flow at the single air door of the return air lane had an electrical short-circuit, resulting in there being no air movement in the inlet air lane. Gas then accumulated to explosive concentrations and a cable generated sparks, igniting the gas.

The 46 responsible people and units have received various punishments, including fines or suspensions. Party members have been punished by the Heilongjiang Commission for Discipline Inspection and Supervision, the report said. For example, five staff members of the mine who were in charge of ventilation and mechanical and electrical engineering have been referred to the public security department for further action.

The deputy director of the ventilation unit of the mine is currently under investigation by the public security department.

Some people in leading positions, including the head of the mine and the chairman and general manager of Shuangyashan Mining Co have received disciplinary punishments.