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Causes Mining accidents can have a variety of causes, including leaks of poisonous gases such as methane or explosive natural gases called firedamp, Asphyxiant gases, dust explosions, collapsing of mine stopes, flooding, or general mechanical errors from improperly used or malfunctioning mining equipment. American accidents In the United States, an average of 93 people per year died in mining accidents in the most recently reported period (1991-1999). In addition to deaths, many thousands more are injured an average of 21,351 injuries per year between 1991 and 1999). The deadliest mining disaster in American history took place on December 6, 1907 in Monongah, West Virginia. Three hundred sixty-two men and young boys were killed when an underground explosion took place. In the US, a mining accident that claims five or more lives is usually termed a 'disaster'. * See also | ||||||||||
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