Coal miners get 'lifeline' to accident survival

Emergency capsule underground would provide food, water and air

Facing an ever-growing appetite for coal production this year, the country's work safety watchdog is mulling over the introduction of a "life-saving capsule" - a mine refuge facility placed deep in the mining shaft.

The underground space would provide oxygen, drinking water and food for miners seeking temporary safety from accidents, said Zhao Tiechui, deputy director of the State Administration of Work Safety and director of the State Administration of Coal Mine Safety.