The authorities are really getting tough in Henan Province as they try to clamp down on dangerous working conditions in local coal mines. This report today from the Hong Kong-based China Labor Bulletin:

Mine managers in Henan be suspended if nine people die in one accident

Mine managers of coal mines in Henan province with more than nine deaths in a single accident will be disqualified and suspended from working in mine operations for five years, according to provincial work safety officials.

During a press conference on 6 July, provincial work safety officials said coal mine managers will be warned if five or more miners die in a single accident in their coal mines, while they will be disqualified and suspended from working in mine operations for five years if nine or more miners die in a single accident. The new policy is mainly related to the increasing number of coal mine accidents in the province in the first half of this year, especially in Zhengzhou City and Pingdingshan City.

The new policy also said that if a coal mine continues to operate when major defaults are discovered by mine safety inspectors for two times or more in three months, the mine manager will be suspended from working in coal mine operations for five years.

Sources: Sina.com (7 July 2006), Dahe Daily (7 July 2006)

Pretty reasonable penalties, eh? It's not as if the coal mine managers are committing any hideous crime such as joining the Falun Gong or, heaven forbid, blogging...