Investigation Report Released on Heilongjiang Coal Mine Accident

The Heilongjiang bureau of the National Mine Safety Administration released its investigation report concerning the coal mine accident at the Xing'an coal mine, operated by the Hegang mining company under the Heilongjiang Longmay Group. The incident occurred on May 20, 2024. The investigation team has recommended disciplinary actions for a number of individuals and units.

The investigation determined that the accident was a result of inadequate fire prevention measures and insufficient safety management practices. This led to a production safety responsibility accident. On the evening of May 20, 2024, a carbon dioxide asphyxiation incident took place at the Xing'an coal mine.

Following the accident, on-site personnel promptly reported the situation and halted operations. They cooperated with rescue teams in their efforts. Four construction workers who were trapped were successfully rescued. By the early hours of May 21, the bodies of five deceased individuals were recovered, concluding on-site rescue operations.

An accident investigation team was formed on May 21, 2024, involving relevant departments. The investigation revealed that the direct cause of the accident was the unauthorized use of grouting pipes to inject liquid carbon dioxide. This was done to address natural fire hazards in the mined-out area. The rubber sealing gaskets connecting the pipes failed due to low temperatures, causing a leak of liquid carbon dioxide and the subsequent release of high concentrations of carbon dioxide gas.

The investigation team recommended disciplinary actions against 23 responsible individuals and relevant units. The Heilongjiang provincial commission for discipline inspection and supervision has proposed accountability measures for those involved. The incident resulted in five fatalities and four injuries. The direct economic losses totaled 9.59 million yuan ($1.34 million).