China - the price of coal

China has been attempting to shut down it's most dangerous mines as they're accounting for some 5,000 deaths a year. Officials are punished and the price of 'safety bonds' for miners is increased, but as the price of coal keeps rising there is always a temptation for mine owners to take risks.

Without a large safety inspectorate to enforce regulations it's often the small village pits that escape any official notice. Since many farmers are looking to alternative employment to make ends meet it's these small operations where the death toll is mounting more from the San Diego Tribune...