In 2008, for example, Shanxi governor Meng Xuenong was dismissed after taking responsibility for a mining accident in which more than 250 people died.

CNN: Deadly fire highlights China's growth problem

Finding the mine's owners overwhelmed by Chile's worst mining accident in decades, he ordered his government to take charge and called in experts from Codelco, the big state-owned copper producer.

ECONOMIST: Chile's mine rescue

The latest mining accident shows that dangers persist.

FORBES: America's Most Dangerous Jobs

The accident has had no effect on the open mining pit at Grasberg, he adds.

BBC: Freeport's Grasberg copper mine

In West Virginia's coal mining communities this weekend, funeral services are being held for victims of the Sago Mine accident this past week.

NPR: Life in a Mining Town