China: Yunnan gas-leak mine 'is illegal' (BBC) {21 dead, 22 trapped}

[eppur_se_muova]

A Chinese mine where 21 workers were killed on Thursday and 22 more remain trapped was being operated illegally, state media has reported.

The pit, in the south-western Yunnan province, lost its licence a year ago.

The government has tried to shut down illegal mines as it battles to improve the industry's terrible safety record.

A huge rescue operation is still going on at the mine. Investigators believe a sudden release of gas into the pit trapped the miners.

But there are conflicting accounts of whether it was an explosion or a leak.
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more: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-china-15688020

[David__77]

1. The private mines should be taken under state control.

It's clear that the state runs mines in China much, much more safely. Workers rights are better safeguarded in public enterprises in China. Next year, there is a party congress, and I expect a moderately progressive turn.