The families of the 29 miners killed in a flooded iron ore mine
in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region have received
compensation, local sources said Friday.
Each family received 200,000 yuan (US$32,000), and six miners
who were rescued have each received compensation of 5,000 yuan
(US$641), plus some medical expenses from the mine company, the
sources said.
The tragedy occurred at the Haolaigou Iron Ore Mine in Donghe
District of Baotou on January 17, as 46 miners were changing
shifts. Eleven miners escaped at the time of the accident.
Six miners were rescued two days later and 29 others were
confirmed dead eight days later.
After the accident, all mines in Baotou were ordered to suspend
operations until they were proved legal and safe.
Police are keeping Cao Shihu, owner of the Haolaigou Iron Ore
Mine, under surveillance. Chaoyue Mining, is a private company with
100 employees. It was established in 2001. Its mines have a
production capacity of 100,000 tons of iron ore concentrate a
year.
The cause of the flooding remains unclear.
Inner Mongolia reported more than 84 mine accidents last year,
including 23 coal mine accidents, and 124 deaths of miners,
according to the regional work safety administration.
Zhao Shuanglian, vice chairman of the region, said the local
government would step up efforts to improve the qualifications of
miners, eliminate outdated mining facilities and close unsafe
mines.
(Xinhua News Agency February 3, 2007)