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| Many accidents occur at illegally run mines where safety measures are flouted |
Two other miners were listed as missing and two more injured in the blast, which occurred on Sunday near the city of Huludao in Liaoning province.
The Xinhua news agency quoted local authorities as saying the privately owned coal mine was operating with all the necessary licenses.
The Huludao city government issued a circular following the latest tragedy asking 77 other coal mines in the area to suspend production for unspecified "rectifying measures".
Coal mines in China have perhaps the worst safety records in the world.
According to government figures, nearly 3,800 lives were lost in Chinese coal mines last year, down 20 per cent from the year before.
However, many independent labour groups suspect the actual death toll is much higher, claiming many accidents are covered up to prevent costly shutdowns and legal action.
Tags: China mine