CNN reported that China State Council has approved imposing harsh penalties for 40 people held responsible for a coal mine disaster that killed more than 100 miners.

The state council similar to the US Cabinet includes the head of each governmental department and the premier and is China chief civilian administrative body.

Twelve people including the mine director are facing criminal punishment. An additional 28 are to receive disciplinary and administrative punishments. The chairman of the state-owned mine's holding group was also removed.

The explosion occurred at the Xinxing mine in northeastern Heilongjiang province in November 2009. According to state-run media, the cause of the blast was a gas leak combined with poor ventilation. It killed 104 miners.

(Sourced from CNN)