Fears over new mine accidents

The country's top work safety agency has warned of a new wave of accidents as collieries that were forced to close because of the severe cold start operating again.

The buildup of deadly gases, flooding and unstable power supply at the mines could all cause problems, a statement posted on the website of the State Administration of Work Safety (SAWS) said.

"Because of the effects of the weather, many coal mines lost power and had to shut. Others closed over the Lunar New Year holiday, and small mines are starting to open again after the vacation, putting huge pressures on safety," it said.