"Gas explosions are a frequent occurrence in Ukraine's outdated mines, many of which are unprofitable and date from the 19th century. Many coal deposits are at a depth of 1 km or more, making mining operations more difficult."
"Ukrainian miners were in the forefront of forces seeking change in the dying days of communism, but post-Soviet authorities have come under pressure to shut down the pits.
Eleven miners were killed in the last explosion in the Donbass coalfield two weeks ago. Three blasts at the Zasyadko mine in Donetsk late last year killed 106 men in two weeks."
Blast Tears Through Ukrainian Mine, 37 Missing
from the NY Times today, courtesy of Reuters:
http://www.nytimes.com/reuters/world/international-ukraine-mine.html?_r=...
excerpts:
"Gas explosions are a frequent occurrence in Ukraine's outdated mines, many of which are unprofitable and date from the 19th century. Many coal deposits are at a depth of 1 km or more, making mining operations more difficult."
"Ukrainian miners were in the forefront of forces seeking change in the dying days of communism, but post-Soviet authorities have come under pressure to shut down the pits.
Eleven miners were killed in the last explosion in the Donbass coalfield two weeks ago. Three blasts at the Zasyadko mine in Donetsk late last year killed 106 men in two weeks."