At Least 90 Killed in Chinese Coal Mine Explosion, State Media Reports

The explosion that killed at least 90 people in a coal mine in northern China has highlighted the enduring safety risks in the country’s mining industry. The incident occurred on Friday evening and is just the latest tragedy to plague China’s coal mining sector.

Shanxi Province, where the Liushenyu Coal Mine is located, produces more than a quarter of China’s total coal output, making it one of the country’s most critical mining regions. Despite repeated promises from Beijing to improve safety standards, accidents continue to occur with alarming frequency.

The Liushenyu mine has been identified as one of the “severe safety hazards” by the Chinese National Mine Safety Administration. Tongzhou Group, which runs the mine, received two administrative penalties in 2025 for safety issues. This raises concerns about the effectiveness of Beijing’s efforts to improve safety standards in the mining industry.

China has made significant strides in reducing coal production and increasing investment in renewable energy, but it remains the world’s biggest consumer of coal and largest emitter of greenhouse gases. The country’s addiction to coal persists despite its efforts to transition to clean energy.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for an investigation into the cause of the explosion and vowed to hold those responsible accountable. However, given China’s history of cover-ups and foot-dragging on safety issues, it remains to be seen whether this latest promise will amount to more than just empty rhetoric.

The tragedy at Liushenyu mine coincides with a series of high-profile visits by foreign leaders to China in recent days. These visits are significant for China’s diplomatic and economic interests but serve as a stark reminder that the country’s most pressing challenges, including those related to safety and accountability, require urgent attention.

As China continues to grapple with the aftermath of this disaster, it would do well to reflect on the broader implications of its coal mining industry. With China’s own coal production expected to peak within the next few years, the country has a unique opportunity to pivot towards cleaner energy sources and reduce its reliance on an industry that is so clearly fraught with danger.

In recent years, a string of accidents has highlighted the risks in China’s coal mining sector. In 2023, a collapse at an open-pit coal mine in Inner Mongolia killed 53 people, while back in 2009, an explosion at a mine in Heilongjiang province claimed more than 100 lives.

The incident also raises questions about Beijing’s commitment to improving safety standards in the mining industry. The Ministry of Emergency Management has sent a team of 345 personnel to assist with the rescue efforts, but it remains unclear whether this will be enough to prevent further tragedies.

As China continues to grapple with the aftermath of this disaster, it is essential that the government takes decisive action to address the deep-seated safety problems in its coal mining industry. The tragic loss of life at Liushenyu mine serves as a stark reminder that much work remains to be done before China can truly claim to have tamed its coal mining beast.