A seismic event triggered a fire at the Alardinskaya coal mine in southwestern Siberia, halting operations and prompting an emergency response, Russian officials and state news agencies reported Monday. The mine, located in the coal-rich Kuznetsk Basin (commonly known as Kuzbass), is a significant contributor to Russia’s coal production.

According to the Ministry of Emergency Services, 120 miners were evacuated safely after the fire broke out. While most miners escaped unharmed, two required medical assistance for minor injuries sustained during the evacuation. Officials stated that the fire has not yet been contained, and efforts are underway to manage the situation.

Preliminary reports suggest the fire was likely caused by the seismic event, a conclusion shared by the regional prosecutor’s office and cited by RIA and TASS news agencies. Seismic events are not uncommon in mining regions and can pose significant safety risks, including structural damage and fires.

The Alardinskaya mine is part of the Raspadskaya coal mining operation, a major player in the industry with an annual production capacity of 3 million metric tons of coal. The mine's suspension represents a notable disruption to operations, though the full impact on production remains unclear. A representative from Raspadskaya confirmed to Interfax that all activities at the site have been halted as safety assessments continue.

This incident underscores the inherent challenges of operating in one of the world's most extensive coal mining regions. The Kuzbass region, vital to Russia's energy and export economy, has seen similar incidents in the past, prompting renewed discussions on the need for enhanced safety measures in mining operations. Investigations are ongoing to determine the precise cause of the fire and evaluate its long-term effects on both the mine and the region.