08:31, 05 May 2009 | GMT +5
Miners from Sakhalin burning coalmine given 2-month leave
YUZHNO-SAKHALINSK. May 5. KAZINFORM Over a half of mineworkers from Sakhalin's burning coalmine in Udarny Township are being sent off on an enforced two-month leave, Kazinform refers to ITAR-TASS.

In all, the coalmine employs more than 900 workers. The enforced leave is to be given to 250 coal-cutters, 150 ore-dressing factory workers, and 50 drivers of motor vehicles. This decison was taken by the management of the coalmine in view of the arisen emergency.
According to the Russian Ministry for Emergencies (RME) department for Sakhalin Region, coal seams at a depth of 160 metres are in flame at the coalmine. The fire broke out on May 1 owing to damage of power cable by a coal "spall". Methane ignited and coal caught fire. There were 11 mineworkers at the coalface at the time. They all were promptly brought up to the surface. One miner received light burns of hands and the face.
About 70 mine rescuers are grappling with the fire at the coalmine, which produces 1,100 tonnes of coal per 24 hours.
Sakhalin Region Governor Alexander Khoroshavin directed the authorities of the Uglegorsk District, in the territory of which the UdarnyTownship is located, to ponder how to create new jobs for mineworkes who lost job as a result of the fire, Kazinform cites ITAR-TASS. See www.itar-tass.com for full version.