Attorney General To Investigate Owner of Collapsed Coal Mine
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Attorney General To Investigate Owner of Collapsed Coal Mine

Photo by:   Bence Balla-Schottner
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Fernando Mares By Fernando Mares | Journalist & Industry Analyst - Mon, 08/15/2022 - 16:38

The Attorney General’s Office (FGR) announced that it will investigate who it believes to be the owner of the coal mine located in Sabinas, Coahuila, which collapsed and trapped over 10 workers a week ago. 

FGR instructed a federal attorney to start an initial hearing, where the Public Prosecutor’s Office (MPF) will charge the owner of the collapsed mine, which according to local media, was identified as Cristian S. Cristian S will be investigated under the charges of tampering with the subsoil, as well as failing to comply with the legislation applicable to the mining sector. “These facts constitute the felonies of illegal exploitation of an asset that belongs to the nation, in accordance with article 150 of the National Assets Law, as well as being an intentional and lasting criminal act as indicated in the Federal Criminal Code in articles 8, 9 and 13,” MPF stated. 

FGR added that during the charges, it will point out the individuals that have declared on the matter, as well as reveal all the evidence the office has collected, such as expert opinions on photographic evidence, as well as engineering and architecture-focused data, which will include information from the investigation and interviews the authorities are to carry out. 

According to authorities, Cristian S has already given a declaration to MPF. Authorities identified the supposed owner as the coal mine’s legal representative, since he registered workers at the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS). Civil associations are worried that FGR will investigate a “fall guy” and not the actual responsible person. They also pointed out that state electric utility CFE is partly responsible, as it acquires over 99 percent of the region's coal for its coal-fired power plants without providing transparency into the purchase, which the organizations say fosters corruption. 

After the collapse of the coal mine, the Mexican Mining Chamber (CAMIMEX) expressed its sorrow and voiced its sympathies to the victims’ families. Ten days following the collapse, much uncertainty regarding the 10 trapped in the mine remains. CAMIMEX made clear that the mine was not owned by any affiliated member but offered its help to authorities and emphasized that it will continue working on improving safety conditions for its employees and promoting better operational practices in the industry. 

Security is a crucial aspect of mining operations. CAMIMEX continuously registers the number of incidents occurring at the mines of its members, which has led the industry to register fewer over the years. In 2020, affiliated members reported an incident rate of 1 accident for every 100 workers, which was a reduction of 18 percent compared to 2019. Nevertheless, mining operators aim for a 0 incident rate.
 

Photo by:   Bence Balla-Schottner

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