According to the United Steelworkers Union, some precaution should be taken before allowing Chinese coal mining companies to operate in BCA USD 1.36 billion dollar investment by Chinese companies was recently announced to develop two coal mines in the region including the Gething coal mine near Hudson's Hope.

Mr Stephen Hunt USW Western Canada director warns that the province should conduct a full inquiry into the safety standards and practices of these companies before allowing them to work here. He says Chinese-owned mining companies have a horrific record of coal mine disasters, including almost 100 reported Chinese coal mining deaths in the past month that warrants a review.

He added that "Chinese-owned coal mines have the worst safety record in the industry. Anyone who takes even a brief look at China record of mine explosions, cave-ins, floods and other disasters is alarmed to learn that we're now inviting Chinese-owned companies to run mines in this province."

Almost 2,500 people were killed in coal-mining accidents last year, and Hunt says he's dismayed that the province considers these operations as a good model for safe underground mines.

A call has been placed to the Minister of Energy and Mines Rich Coleman for comment.

(Sourced from energeticcity.ca)