Sukhodilska–Skhidna Coal Mine
Bituminous coal is mined using longwall mining at depths between 785 and 1,028 m. The mine began operation in 1980.
July 2011 mining accident
Shortly before 2 a.m. on 29 July 2011 an explosion occurred 3,000 feet (910 meters) underground in the mine. Initial reports indicated that at least 17 people were killed, and nine others were missing, but later all 26 were reported to have died.
Investigators suspect the accident was caused by a powerful explosion of methane. Mykhailo Volynets, the head of the Independent Trade Union of Miners, called the Sukhodilska–Skhidna coal mine "one of the most dangerous in Ukraine" due to buildups of methane and coal dust. The President of Ukraine ordered the government to set up a commission to investigate the accident.
Later that same day, Ukraine experienced a second fatal coal-mining accident when an elevator collapsed at the Bazhanov coal mine.
See also
References
- ^ Partnership for Energy and Environmental Reform (PEER) (January 2001), Coal mine methane in Ukraine (PDF), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, retrieved 2010-12-29
- ^ Maria Danilova (27 July 2011). "18 killed in 2 mine accidents in Ukraine". Google News. Associated Press. Retrieved 27 July 2011.
- ^ New Ukraine coal mine explosion as safety review launched, Platts.com, August 4, 2011
- ^ "Coal mine explosion in Ukraine". The Telegraph. 27 July 2011. Retrieved 27 July 2011.
- ^ Seth Mydans (27 July 2011). "Mine Explosion in Ukraine Kills 17". The New York Times. Retrieved 27 July 2011.
