【2010.04.06 英国泰晤士报】Analysis: the most dangerous job on earth

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Analysis: the most dangerous job on earth
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/asia/article7088077.ece

April 6, 2010

Working in a Chinese coal mine is one of the most dangerous jobs on Earth, though nothing like as risky as it used to be.

A decade ago as many as 10,000 Chinese miners were killed each year. Last year the total was 2,631 — a fall of 584 from 2008. It still amounted to about seven people a day. In 2006 as many as 13 miners perished in China every day.

The authorities are trying to improve safety in an industry crucial to keeping China’s economic juggernaut turning. But since coal accounts for 70 per cent of the country’s energy needs — and pit owners receive hefty profits — the temptations to cut corners are enormous.

This is one reason why the Government has clamped down on private mines, closing thousands over the past two years. About 70 per cent of all deaths are in privately owned collieries and, as many have closed, the overall safety record has improved.

But enforcement is far from perfect in a system where local officials are easy prey to coal entrepreneurs who wine and dine them and slip across envelopes stuffed with cash so that they turn a blind eye to safety shortcomings and dodgy work practices.

The publicity surrounding the latest accident, and the deployment of at least 5,000 rescue workers and support teams — as well as police and the military to maintain order — highlights official determination to improve the reputation of the mines.

The rescue of more than 100 trapped miners may restore a little confidence in an industrytarnished by too many tragedies.

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