[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 94 (Friday, July 12, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1250]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        THE TRAGIC DEATH OF 35 MINERS IN UKRAINE ON 7 JULY 2002

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                           HON. BOB SCHAFFER

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, July 12, 2002

  Mr. SCHAFFER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to offer my condolences to 
the families and comrades of 35 Ukrainian miners who died Sunday, 7 
July 2002, in a mining accident in eastern Ukraine. I also offer my 
condolences to the people of Ukraine who have suffered too many such 
tragedies in the years since independence, as a result of an aging 
mining sector that is in dire need of reform and modernization.
  Ukraine's miners have endured turmoil for too long. Miners have been 
forced to work under intolerable and life-threatening conditions, in 
some cases without being paid for years. It is estimated Ukraine's 
mining industry employs about half a million people in 193 mines, 
mostly in the eastern region of the country. However, the mortality 
rate in Ukraine's coalmining industry is staggering, with five to six 
miners lives sacrificed for every ton of coal produced, constituting 
nearly 4,000 deaths in the last 11 years.
  Mr. Speaker, despite the obvious threat to its citizens, Ukraine's 
government has resisted shutting down unsafe mines. Rather, it appears 
avoiding profit loss, instability from mass unemployment and lack of 
heating coal far outweigh the considerations for human life.
  In August this year, I intend to lead a Congressional Delegation to 
countries surrounding the Black Sea, including Ukraine. One focus of 
this trip will be on the mining industry to gain a better understanding 
of the crisis facing Ukraine and to help alleviate the suffering of 
miners and their families.

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