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The murky world of coal mining in China

October 16th, 2008 by Elise Potaka 

Every year close to 4000 coal miners in China die in mining related accidents. Elise Potaka in China’s Shanxi province investigates why the Chinese governments desire to improve safety and clean up pollution is not an easy one to fulfill.

 

China Cleans up Its most Polluted Cities

Thursday, 16 October 2008 00:00 Elise Potaka
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While the skies over Beijing have cleared for the Olympic and Paralympic Games, smog still clouds the air in many parts of China’s Shanxi province.

Located in the mid north, the region is home to three of the country’s most polluted cities. For years, coal, and industrial pollutants have blackened the air and contaminated the water and soil.

Now, local governments are being given financial incentives to get off the country’s environmental blacklist.

From Shanxi, Elise Potaka has this report.

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Last Updated ( Friday, 05 June 2009 09:10 )
 

Governor of China’s Largest Coal Producing Region Forced to Resign

Thursday, 16 October 2008 00:00 Elise Potaka
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This week, the governor of China’s largest coal producing region was forced to resign after an illegal tailings dam burst and killed over 200 people.

It’s just the latest mining-related disaster in a province which is renowned for its poor record on mine safety.

Elise Potaka finds out why the Chinese governments desire to improve safety is not an easy one to fulfill.

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Last Updated ( Friday, 05 June 2009 09:09 )
 

A Chinese Miner’s Fight for Justice for Black-lung Disease

Thursday, 16 October 2008 00:00 Elise Potaka
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Every year close to 4000 coal miners in China die in mining related accidents.

But this figure doesn’t include those who are facing a longer, slower death.

The poor health and safety conditions in many Chinese mines results in thousands of miners getting work-related illnesses each year, some fatal.

Up against powerful mine owners, and lacking access information about avenues of redress, many miners choose to stay silent.

But Elise Potaka reports on one case which could turn things around.

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Last Updated ( Friday, 05 June 2009 09:14 )
 
 
      
 

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