China Closes Over 1,000 Coal Mines While Producing More Solar Power Than All of Europe
News Context
At a glance
- An explosion at a coal mine in northern China has killed at least 90 people, according to state media reports.
- The blast occurred at 19:29 local time on Friday, May 22, 2026.
- The explosion is being characterized as the deadliest mining disaster in a decade.
An explosion at a coal mine in northern China has killed at least 90 people, according to state media reports.
The blast occurred at 19:29 local time on Friday, May 22, 2026. Nearly 250 people were working underground at the time of the incident.
Mining Disaster Severity
The explosion is being characterized as the deadliest mining disaster in a decade.
Energy Sector Transition
The accident occurs as China undergoes a significant shift in its energy landscape. The country has been closing more than 1,000 coal mines as it expands solar power production, which now exceeds the total solar electricity generated by all European countries combined.