State geology and mining (G&M) department has informed that the cause of the accident at a rat-hole mine in Ruchayan village under Bhandari sub-division, Wokha district on January 25 was due to fire and explosion of methane gas.
In a press release, G&M director Dr. Kenyelo Rengma said that a team of officials from the G&M department visited mining site on January 26, 2024 to assess the cause of the accident where six labours died and four injured. The director stated that fire and explosion of methane gas could have occurred due to frictional spark while using portable handheld drilling machine.
Kenyelo informed that the mine was about 70km from Dimapur and 4km from Liphi village at an elevation of 252 m AMSL.
On inspection and as per the record of the department, the director said the mine was an illegal mine (rat-hole mine 4ft x 4.5ft), which was being operated by locals in collaboration with some non-locals.
The director stated that the G&M department was trying to control illegal coal mining in the State. In this regard, the director said the department was always ready to assist and support coal miners. However, the director said the department accordingly expect the miners to cooperate with the department and follow the guidelines of mining method so as to avert mine accidents in the days to come. Meanwhile, the department has expressed deep grief over loss of lives and extended deepest condolences to the family members of the deceased. It also wished speedy recovery to the injured.