Date: April 30, 2023
Location: Donkin, Nova Scotia (CA)
Address: 189 Donkin Mine Access Road, B1A 6P8
Type: Dust Fire
Fuel: Coal Dust
Industry: Coal Mining
Equipment: Conveyor System
Company: Donkin Coal Mine
Database Incidents: None Recorded
Loss: No Injuries
Capital Cost: Unknown
Status: Open
Confirmation: Unconfirmed
Company Description:
The Donkin Coal Mine is an underground coal mining operation located in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, Canada. It is situated in the Donkin Peninsula and is owned by the Cline Group, a coal mining company based in the United States. The mine began production in 2017 and primarily extracts metallurgical coal, which is used in steelmaking processes. The Donkin coal mine has faced both production and safety challenges since its inception, with intermittent periods of operation and temporary closures.
Incident Description:
On May 1, 2023, Radio Canada reported a fire at a coal mine in Donkin, Nova Scotia.
The Donkin Fire Department effectively handled the firefighting efforts, with additional volunteer firefighters not utilized due to a lack of training for underground fires.
The regional councilor suggested that the fire might have originated from one of the mine’s conveyor belts, but an official cause is yet to be determined. The mine is currently following procedures to evaluate the damage and ensure safety.
Fortunately, no workers were underground during the incident, and a precautionary stop work order has been issued by the province’s Department of Labour, Skills, and Immigration. Provincial inspectors are en route to assess the damage, while coal trucks continue operations.
Sources:
Radio Canada
