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This is an old revision of this page, as edited by Widefox (talk | contribs) at 13:26, 8 October 2006 (add Methane and ref, add Asphyxiant gases - is logical, assured my another editor, but unreferenced, so I include here for completeness until a ref is added). The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.

A mining accident is a dangerous and often deadly accident that occurs in the process of mining minerals from underneath the surface of the earth. Thousand of miners die from mining accidents each year, especially in the process of coal mining and hard rock mining. Many of the deaths occur in developing countries and rural parts of developed countries.

Causes

Mining accidents can have a variety of causes, including leaks of poisonous gases such as Methane or explosive natural gases called firedamp, Asphyxiant gases, dust explosions, collapsing of mine stopes, flooding, or general mechanical errors from improperly used or malfunctioning mining equipment.

American accidents

In the United States, an average of 93 people per year died in mining accidents in the most recently reported period (1991-1999). In addition to deaths, many thousands more are injured an average of 21,351 injuries per year between 1991 and 1999). The deadliest mining disaster in American history took place on December 6, 1907 in Monongah, West Virginia. Three hundred sixty-two men and young boys were killed when an underground explosion took place. In the US, a mining accident that claims five or more lives is usually termed a 'disaster'.

See also

• List of mining disasters

External links

• Price Waterhouse Cooper press release
• U.S. Mining Safety Health Administration

References

1. Kucuker H. Occupational fatalities among coal mine workers in Zonguldak, Turkey, 1994-2003. Occup Med (Lond). 2006 Mar;56(2):144-6. PMID 16490795

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