And mining in China remains one of the deadliest occupations in the world. At the weekend 17 Chinese miners were killed in an explosion at a mine in Hunan Province.

Family members gathered at this coal mine in China's Hunan Province in the early hours of Sunday morning… to identify the bodies their loved ones.

China’s state-run media says explosives stored in a shaft blew up on Saturday afternoon releasing clouds of toxic gas.

17 miners perished and one was injured at the coal mine located in Chenzhou City.

Last year mining operations were suspended in Chenzhou after an accident at a graphite mine killed 15 people.

More than 2,600 people died in coal mine accidents in China last year alone.