A catastrophic gas explosion has ripped through a coal mine in China’s Shanxi province, killing at least 150 workers in what is being described as the deadliest mining disaster in a decade. The blast occurred at approximately 9:15 a.m.
local time on Sunday at the Dongfeng mine, operated by the state-owned Shanxi Coal and Chemical Industry Group. Rescuers have recovered 140 bodies, with 10 workers still missing and presumed dead. Officials have confirmed that the mine was operating at full capacity, producing an estimated 2.
5 million tonnes of coal annually. The explosion, triggered by a buildup of methane gas, tore through three kilometres of underground tunnels, collapsing support structures and igniting secondary fires. Emergency crews, including 12 specialised rescue teams, have been deployed, but efforts have been hampered by high temperatures, toxic gases, and unstable debris.
Chinese President Li Qiang has ordered an immediate safety review of all coal mines in the province, while the National Coal Mine Safety Administration has suspended operations at 47 nearby mines pending inspections. The disaster, which follows a series of smaller incidents this year, raises renewed questions about safety compliance in China's coal industry, which accounts for 57 per cent of the country's primary energy consumption. In 2023, the government reported 113 mining deaths, a figure that now appears significantly understated.
The Dongfeng mine had been inspected three times in the past six months, with citations for inadequate ventilation and methane monitoring equipment. Labour unions and international observers have long criticised the sector for prioritising production over worker safety. The incident is expected to trigger a government inquiry, with potential policy changes regarding energy production targets and safety regulations.
Meanwhile, families of the victims have gathered outside the mine gates, demanding accountability. The Shanxi provincial government has announced compensation measures, including funeral costs and a one-time payment of 300,000 yuan per family. However, for the communities dependent on the mine, the long-term economic and social impact remains uncertain.
