Date: October 14, 2022
Location: Amasra, Amasra Province (Turkey)
Address: Kilimli District
Type: Dust Explosion
Fuel: Coal Dust
Industry: Coal Mining
Equipment: Unknown
Company: Turkish Hard Coal Enterprises
Database Incidents: None Recorded
Loss: 41 Killed, 11 Injured
Capital Cost: Unknown
Status: Open
Confirmation: Unconfirmed
Company Description:
According to its website, Turkish Hard Coal Enterprises, also known as Türkiye Kömür İşletmeleri (TKİ) in Turkish, is a state-owned company in Turkey. It is responsible for the exploration, extraction, production, and marketing of hard coal resources in the country. The company plays a significant role in Turkey’s coal mining industry and operates several coal mines throughout the country. TKİ’s primary objective is to ensure a reliable and sustainable supply of coal for various industries, including energy production, steel manufacturing, and cement production, among others. As a state-owned enterprise, TKİ operates under the supervision of the Turkish Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources.
Incident Description:
On October 17, 2022, Mining Technology reported a coal dust explosion at a mine in Amasra, Turkey.
The incident took place on October 14, while approximately 110 individuals were carrying out their work in the mine. After the accident occurred approximately 350 meters below the surface, the Interior Minister stated that 58 people were either rescued by rescue teams or managed to escape on their own. It was later confirmed by Global News that 41 were killed and 11 injured.
Authorities initially indicated that the explosion was likely triggered by firedamp, which refers to methane present in coal mines. Turkey’s Energy Minister informed the news agencies that efforts to cool down the mine and isolate the fire were quickly underway, with the fire mainly contained within the mine.
He also stated to BBC News that there is no active fire within the mine, although there have been partial collapses, and the ventilation system is functioning properly.
One worker, who successfully escaped the mine independently, shared with BBC News, “There was dust and smoke, and we are unsure about the exact events that occurred.”
On November 7, 2022, Cable Free TV reported that the Governor of Zonguldak stated that the incident was initially reported as a small coal dust explosion but emphasized that it would be premature to speculate on the cause of the explosion at this stage.
Sources:
Mining Technology
Global News
Cable Free TV
