Core Viewpoint - The investigation report on the major fall accident at China Gold Group Inner Mongolia Mining Co., Ltd. identifies the incident as a significant production safety responsibility accident, resulting in 6 fatalities and 1 injury [1]. Group 1: Accident Overview and Causes - The accident occurred on July 23, 2025, during a field study involving 55 students and teachers from Northeast University at the flotation workshop of the mining plant, where a grid platform above the flotation tank collapsed, causing 7 individuals to fall into the tank [2]. - The direct cause of the accident was identified as the grid platform being smaller than the design specifications, improper welding of supporting steel, and significant corrosion due to prolonged exposure to moisture, leading to structural failure [2]. Group 2: Emergency Response - Upon discovering the fall, the workshop staff immediately activated emergency protocols, including stopping the flotation machine and organizing the evacuation of personnel, successfully rescuing one individual [2]. Group 3: Issues Exposed - The investigation revealed multiple issues, including poor safety management at the accident site, lack of effective safety protocols, and inadequate oversight by regulatory bodies and local government [3]. - The report highlighted deficiencies in risk awareness among supervising teachers and the absence of targeted safety plans for the internship program [3]. Group 4: Accountability and Consequences - The report recommended criminal charges against four individuals from China Gold Group Inner Mongolia Mining, with the police already implementing coercive measures [4]. - Various disciplinary actions were taken against 27 individuals from China Gold Group and its affiliates, as well as 6 personnel from Northeast University, including warnings and administrative penalties [4]. Group 5: Rectification and Preventive Measures - The report emphasized the need for regulatory bodies to enforce safety regulations rigorously and for companies to strengthen their safety management practices [5]. - It called for improvements in construction and operational standards for metal and non-metal mining projects, as well as enhanced safety management for internship programs [5].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the tragic accident involving six students from Northeast University at the China National Gold Group's Inner Mongolia mining facility, focusing on the responses from the mining department regarding safety concerns related to the flotation process and the properties of the slurry involved in the incident [1]. Group 1: Safety Concerns - The flotation machine is designed to minimize mechanical hazards, with the motor and components structured to prevent injuries [3]. - The slurry from the Ulan Copper Molybdenum Mine has been tested multiple times and found to contain no toxic substances, with the pH maintained around 9 using an 8% lime slurry [4]. - The flotation agents used are classified as safe and environmentally friendly, with specific concentrations detailed for each agent [4][5][6][7][8]. Group 2: Slurry Temperature - The flotation process operates at normal temperatures, with no heating facilities added, and the slurry temperature has been monitored to range between 23.2°C and 31.4°C [9]. - The temperature is crucial for flotation efficiency and product quality, but the current process does not induce any significant heat, aligning with the monitored data [9].

Group 1 - A tragic incident occurred where six junior students from Northeast University fell into a flotation tank during an internship at Zhongjin Gold, resulting in their deaths [1][2] - The flotation tank is described as having a significant vertical height, making it difficult for individuals to escape once they fall in [15] - The flotation slurry contains corrosive substances and heavy metal ions, posing severe health risks upon contact, including skin burns and respiratory issues [19][23] Group 2 - The incident highlights a lack of safety measures, as the grid plate above the flotation tank was not adequately secured, despite previous safety concerns raised by students [28][30] - The company had previously announced a goal of achieving zero accidents in the flotation workshop by 2024, indicating a commitment to safety that was not reflected in practice [31] - The recent replacement of the grid plate, which should have lasted for ten years, raises questions about the quality of maintenance and inspection practices within the company [34][36] Group 3 - The incident reflects broader issues within high-risk industries, where safety protocols may be overlooked, leading to preventable tragedies [40][42] - The perception of mining and mineral processing as high-risk fields is reinforced by this incident, potentially affecting student interest and recruitment in these areas [45][46] - The company’s apparent indifference to safety concerns may suggest a troubling attitude towards the welfare of students and interns [47]