Spatio-temporal characteristics and causal factors of major and more severe coal mine accidents in China from 2013 to 2023

ZHOU Tianmo

doi:10.11799/ce202506018

Abstract：To comprehensively understand the spatio-temporal characteristics and causal factors associated with major and more severe coal mine accidents and facilifat the accidents prevention,we employed a concentration index and spatial analysis method to such accidents in China between 2013 and 2023.The findings indicate that:①The number of accidents decreased significantly from 2013 to 2019,and the number of accidents stabilized from 2020 onwards.However,the number of fatalities and direct economic losses increased year by year.There was a notable improvement in the control of gas accidents,while the number of roof accidents increased.In contrast,water accidents remained relatively stable,although they resulted in significant economic losses and had a considerable impact on local state-owned coal mines.②The month of the accident was divided into four phases,each characterized by a distinct level of discretization.Safety problem was more prominent in the period from October to December.The distribution of accidents exhibited a spatial correlation,forming three clusters of high values in a northeast-central-southwest direction.The center of gravity path demonstrated a pattern of alternating northeast-southwest movements.③The primary cause of accidents in recent years was the illegal organization of production.While the issue of illegal operations was addressed,the problem of inadequate support persisted,and the underlying causes of different types of accidents varied.The main indirect reasons from 2013 to 2017 were inadequate enterprise management capabilities and technical management,whereas in the period between 2018 and 2023,they were predominantly slack corporate management and inadequate employee professionalism.④Late reporting and concealment were prevalent in coal-producing provinces,and the involvement of public officials was on the rise.Late reporting and concealment were more likely to occur when the primary cause of accidents originated from management of the enterprises.