One dead and seven missing after accident at Chinese coal mine
- Henan authorities launch emergency response plan after ‘accidental outburst’, state broadcaster CCTV reports
- Record high coal prices have seen mines across the country stepping up production to meet demand
One person was killed and seven are missing after an accident in a coal mine in central China, state broadcaster CCTV reported on Saturday.
The “accidental outburst” occurred at a coal mine run by Henan Hebi Coal and Electricity Company in the late afternoon on Friday, and the authorities in Henan province have launched an emergency response plan, CCTV said.
Last month, the provincial government said it had approved the reopening of another mine operated by Hebi after it was shut for not complying with regulations.
China has been carrying out safety inspections at coal mines across the country, but record high coal prices have seen miners ramping up production to meet supply gaps.
In May, China’s cabinet said it would work to stabilise rising commodity prices, while encouraging coal producers to boost production to meet global demand.