Russia Profile: Deep underground

Will recent mining disasters in Ukraine have a “Raspadskaya” effect on the Local Industry? Two tragedies struck coal mines in neighboring regions in Ukraine last week, killing 37 miners and prompting President Viktor Yanukovich to declare a national day of mourning on Sunday. A government investigation has been launched to unearth what caused the most recent disasters in one of the most dangerous countries for coal mining in the world. Where the investigation chooses to lay blame – whether on management, rusting Soviet-era infrastructure or the “human factor,” an umbrella term for everything from freak accidents to miners tampering with safety equipment – may decide if progress is made in improving safety in Ukraine’s mines. Read full story here.