Two explosions at two separate mines during February were previously reported on International Longwall News, however further details have now emerged on how the explosions occurred.

Dow Jones reported a man running an illegal mine in an abandoned shaft discovered his tunnels connected with a legal mine nearby. On discovery, he ordered his workers to detonate explosives to create a barrier between the two mines. The explosion killed one miner and the mine owner was later detained.

The legal mine owner then hit back, setting off 250 kilograms of explosives with the help of 22 miners and five villages, Xinhia News Agency reported. The resulting explosion caused a shortage of oxygen in the shaft, producing carbon monoxide which killed 28 people.