The third mining accident this year caused renewed concerns for the industry’s safety record.
Three men trapped for an hour after a trench collapsed at the Aberpergwm drift mine were rescued safely, although two men were admitted to hospital in Swansea with non life threatening injuries. HM Inspector of Mines is on scene conducting an investigation into this latest mining accident.
Only three weeks prior to this latest incident, a middle aged miner was rescued and airlifted to hospital after he was trapped as a result of a wall collapse at the Cwmgwrach based Unity mine.
No one will forget the ill fated attempt to rescue miners trapped in Gleision colliery in Swansea valley when water poured in blocking the miners’ exit. All four men perished after a wall holding back a quantity of water collapsed despite brave efforts of the rescue services. The result of a joint police and Health and Safety executive investigation are awaited.
Dr Eric Wade of the Open University stated that drift mines like those in Gleision ought to be drained before work is permitted nearby. Whilst acknowledging that British mining has the most advanced safety legislation in the world he recognised that it is impossible to remove all danger but rather any risk should be minimised.
Everyone accepts that mining is a particularly dangerous activity but when three accidents occur in quick succession, the spotlight tends to be focused on the safety issues. Mining is an age old tradition and Wales owes its workers as secure a working environment as possible.