Beijing (AsiaNews/Agencies) – Flash floods have trapped 69 workers in a Zhijin coal mine in Shanxian, central Henan. Rescuers pumped out water and drilled holes to provide oxygen to the miners, but so far there has been no confirmation that they are still alive.   It seems like yet another predictable tragedy, given the heavy rains of recent days.

Xinhua news agency said flooding triggered by heavy rain poured into the mine through an aluminium mine pit and an old shaft. The 102 miners working underground were taken by surprise and only some succeeded in escaping. There is no information regarding safety precaution in place in the mine, but it appears that the ranger of flooding given the heavy rain was underestimated.

The Zhijian mine, which was had a designed annual production capacity of 210,000 tonnes, but actually produced 300,000 tonnes each year. It is not clear if the overproduction had affects on the gravity of the accident.

Chinese mines are the world’s most dangerous. Official data speaks of 5 thousand deaths in 2006, but other sources say the deaths amount to at least 20 thousand.  The country’s hunger for energy (two thirds of which is produced from coal) and the greed for earnings push many unscrupulous mine owners to work without respecting safety procedures, often with the complicity of local officials.  Despite the government’s direct pledge to guarantee security, complete with the threat of severe punishment, there are mortal accidents almost every day.  Last week, six coal miners died when explosives were accidentally detonated in a colliery in Sanjia County in the Northern Province. Most of the 57 workers underground at the time were rescued, but six died from carbon monoxide poisoning. According to the People’s General Magistrate, in 2006 over 95% of officials involved in these disasters were cleared of charges of abuse and omission of responsibilities, or they received light sanctions or the suspension of charges.