The number of production safety accidents and fatalities in China decreased by 9.4% and 7.7% year on year in 2025, as revealed at nationwide emergency management work meeting held on January 5-6, 2026. Notably, major accidents remained under control, with no particularly significant incidents occurring throughout the year.

In the context of overall improvements in safety production, it is likely that coal mine accident numbers and fatalities also followed the downward trend.

Below is a summary of some key incidents that were widely reported in the industry. Although unofficial statistics showed that there were 15 accidents in total during 2025, resulting in 38 fatalities, with some accidents still pending further details.

None of these incidents were classified as particularly major or significant, but seven were considered major accidents, while the rest were categorized as ordinary accidents.

The major accidents included:

1. CO2 outburst accident at Jinhe coal mine in Lanzhou, Gansu

On April 13, 2025, an outburst of carbon dioxide occurred at the Jinhe coal mine of Yaojie Coal & Power Group Co., Ltd. in Gansu, affecting 14 people. The incident resulted in 2 fatalities on site, 3 people seriously injured, and 9 lightly injured. By 21:40 on the same day, 3 of the seriously injured died after unsuccessful rescue attempts. The remaining 9 injured were still being treated.

2. Water Inrush Accident at Wangjiashan coal mine in Baiyin, Gansu

On May 19, 2025, an inrush of water occurred at the 204 mining face of Wangjiashan coal mine, controlled by Gansu Energy Chemical Co., Ltd, resulting in 3 workers missing. After rescue efforts, they were confirmed dead.

3. Roof collapse accident at Changshi No. 2 coal mine in Wanyuan, Sichuan

On May 17, 2025, at around 11:00, a roof collapse occurred at the Changshi No. 2 coal mine in Wanyuan, Sichuan, resulting in 4 missing workers. After several days of search and rescue, all 4 workers were found by May 21 at 23:30, with no signs of life.

4. Underground accident at Datian coal mine in Fujian

On August 21, 2025, at 23:00, it was reported that there were workers missing underground at Shuijingkeng coal mine. Rescue teams arrived at the site immediately. By 4:10 on August 22, 1 injured worker was rescued, and all 7 trapped workers were brought up from the mine. Unfortunately, all were confirmed dead by the onsite medical team.

5. Tunnel collapse accident at Yulao Erwanshi coal mine in Zhenping county of Shaanxi

On September 25, 2025, at around 15:30, a tunnel collapse occurred during maintenance work at Yulao Erwanshi coal mine, Zhenping county, resulting in 3 workers being trapped. Preliminary investigations indicated that the collapse was due to roof fall. All 3 trapped workers were rescued by 1:20 on September 27, but all were confirmed dead.

6. Asphyxiation accident at Feijiang coalmine in Hunan

On October 9, 2025, at around 2:40, an asphyxiation accident occurred at Feijiang coal mine, which is run by Nanyang Mining Co., Ltd. of Hunan Energy Group, resulting in 3 fatalities.

7. Suspected coal and gas outburst accident in Yunnan

On December 24, 2025, at around 20:10, a suspected coal and gas outburst occurred at Daying Coal mine in Wude town, Zhenxiong county, resulting in 7 missing workers. By December 25, 4 missing workers were found, and all were confirmed dead. The remaining 3 are still under active search.