A block of rock fell from the ceiling of a mine in the Kemerovo district of Siberia, Russia, on Saturday morning, after a magnitude 5.4 earthquake was recorded in the region.
The Public Prosecutor’s Office said in a statement that an investigation is underway into a collapse accident inside the “Tashtagulskaya” mine, where a rock block fell from the roof of the mine following a magnitude 5.4 earthquake in the area.
On the other hand, the branch of the Russian Investigative Committee in Kemerovo said that the collapse in the Tashtagulskaya mine occurred during the extraction of ore, and one person may have been trapped under the rubble.
Afterwards, the mine’s administration explained that 183 workers were underground when the roof of the mine collapsed, and 182 of them came out to the surface, and a search is underway for one worker.
The authorities have opened a criminal case under the section “Violation of industrial safety requirements for hazardous production facilities, and investigations are underway to determine the circumstances of the accident.”
Source: Russia Today
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**What are the key safety measures that should be implemented in mining operations to protect against earthquakes?**
Interview with Dr. Alexei Petrov – Mining Safety Expert
Time.news Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Petrov. Following the recent incident at the Tashtagulskaya mine in Kemerovo, where a rock fall occurred after a 5.4 magnitude earthquake, many are concerned about safety in mining operations. Can you provide an overview of what happened?
Dr. Alexei Petrov: Absolutely. On Saturday morning, a block of rock fell from the ceiling of the Tashtagulskaya mine during ore extraction, coinciding with a nearby earthquake. This unfortunate incident led to one worker potentially being trapped under the rubble, while 182 others managed to escape. The Russian Investigative Committee is currently looking into this as they have opened a criminal case focusing on violations of industrial safety requirements.
Time.news Editor: That sounds alarming. What are the common safety regulations that mining operations like Tashtagulskaya should adhere to, especially in earthquake-prone regions?
Dr. Alexei Petrov: Mines, especially in seismically active areas, must comply with strict safety measures. This includes regular structural integrity assessments of tunnels, proper training for emergency evacuations, and the installation of advanced monitoring systems that can detect geological changes. Additionally, mines should have protocols in place for seismic events to ensure worker safety.
Time.news Editor: Given that 183 workers were underground at the time, what implications does this incident have for the mining industry in Russia and globally?
Dr. Alexei Petrov: This incident raises serious concerns about mining safety standards in Russia. Many nations are re-evaluating their mining regulations due to increasing awareness of natural disasters and their potential impact on workers’ safety. Globally, it serves as a stark reminder for mining companies to prioritize health and safety, invest in better training, and uphold strict compliance with safety protocols.
Time.news Editor: What practical advice can you provide to mining companies and their employees to prevent such accidents in the future?
Dr. Alexei Petrov: Companies must establish a robust safety culture, starting with regular training programs for employees. Management should regularly review and update safety measures and create an open line of communication for workers to report hazards without fear of retribution. Additionally, implementing proactive technology such as early warning systems for seismic activity can truly make a difference in preventing accidents.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. Petrov, for your invaluable insights. It’s clear that while mining operations are crucial, the safety of workers must remain the industry’s top priority. We hope that the investigation into the Tashtagulskaya mine incident leads to necessary improvements.
Dr. Alexei Petrov: Thank you for having me. It’s essential that we continuously learn and evolve to ensure the safety and well-being of all workers in the mining industry.
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