Overview

• Six third-year mineral processing students from Northeastern University drowned on July 23 after a protective grate gave way at the Wunugetushan copper-molybdenum mine’s flotation tank.
• A teacher accompanying the group was injured in the accident and received on-site medical treatment.
• Zhongjin Gold, a unit of China National Gold Group, activated its emergency plan, suspended production and reported the incident to local government departments.
• China National Gold Group, local authorities and Northeastern University have begun a coordinated investigation to determine the cause of the grate failure and assign responsibility.
• The mine remains closed with emergency measures in place and university staff have been dispatched to support investigations and liaison with victims’ families.