coal mining

(Newser) - A gas explosion in a Chinese coal mine killed at least 70 today and trapped 26 more, the New York Times reports, one of the year’s worst accidents in an industry that sees more than 4,000 die each year. Authorities believe miners triggered the explosion while illegally tapping...

(Newser) - Coal-mining companies are successfully recruiting college kids, promising better work conditions than the industry’s muddied image might suggest, the Christian Science Monitor reports. Some 60% of the current workforce could retire over the next decade, and jobs are suddenly abundant; young people are finding themselves explaining to their parents...

(Newser) - A methane explosion in a Siberian coal mine killed at least 36 people today,  just 25 miles from the mine—operated by the same company—where 110 people died from a blast in March. Inspectors had attempted twice to shut down the mine for safety violations, but were rebuffed...