Sylvie Claire / August 25, 2021
The explosion was caused by a mixture of methane gas and coal dust, the agency said, noting that the mine was not licensed to extract coal.
According to the state agency, some 60 percent of the fatalities in mining accidents this year occurred in illegal mines.
Colombia recorded 171 deaths from mining accidents last year compared to 82 the year before.
In 2020, the country produced 48.4 million tons of coal compared to 82.4 million in 2019. Colombia is the fifth largest producer in the world, according to the agency.