A recent investigation report concerning a fatal asphyxiation accident during illegal gold mining in Jiangxi Province has been released. On August 15, 2025, a significant incident occurred at an abandoned gold mine in Songping Village, Chating Town, Guangxin District, Shangrao City. The accident resulted in three deaths.
The direct cause was identified as six individuals—Guo Mouwang, Guo Mou Shui, Guo Mounian, Guo Moubiao, Fang Moucheng, and Wang Moujun—illegally breaching a sealed wall at the +150m level of the mine and entering the abandoned tunnel to extract gold ore. During the operation, three of them—Guo Moubiao, Fang Moucheng, and Wang Moujun—died from asphyxiation after inhaling yellow dust.
The investigation details that around August 2024, the group had scouted the location and found a previously sealed entry point, known as the "Middle Tunnel," had been tampered with, creating a small opening. The remote site lacked security personnel or surveillance, and the area has a history of people entering tunnels to search for gold-bearing ore, with frequent foot traffic. Current evidence could not identify who initially opened the tunnel, the exact timing, or the method used.
On the evening of August 15, 2025, the six individuals gathered and decided to enter the abandoned mine tunnel, originally part of the "Baogongjian Gold Mine Detailed Survey" exploration permit area, to process gold for personal gain. Upon arrival, they split into two groups, neither wearing protective masks or oxygen equipment. Guo Moubiao, Fang Moucheng, and Wang Moujun entered the "Middle Tunnel" to check activated carbon in a reservoir for adsorbed gold. Guo Mouwang, Guo Mounian, and Guo Mou Shui entered the "Water Tunnel" to inspect and maintain diesel generators used for gold processing.
Around 10:00 PM, the latter group exited and tried to contact the others by phone without success. Concerned, they re-entered the "Middle Tunnel" and, after proceeding about 1,200 meters, found Guo Moubiao and Wang Moujun unresponsive with no detectable heartbeat. They dragged the two individuals to a water pool used for gold washing inside the tunnel. Due to prolonged poor ventilation and lack of oxygen in the sealed environment, Guo Mouwang, Guo Mounian, and Guo Mou Shui began experiencing breathing difficulties and chest tightness. They then exited the tunnel, contacted village officials to report the situation regarding the other three, who subsequently alerted the Chating Town government.
Authorities have taken legal action against multiple individuals involved. The following persons have been criminally detained by the Shangrao Public Security Bureau's Guangxin Branch on suspicion of illegal mining, arrested on September 23, 2025, and are currently detained, with recommendations for judicial processing:
1. Guo Mouwang (male, born September 1, 1972) 2. Guo Mou Shui (male, born March 15, 1974) 3. Guo Mounian (male, born December 28, 1975) 4. Guo Mouyan (male, born February 28, 1955) 5. Fang Moujun (male, born September 29, 1977) 6. Yang Mouwen (male, born December 27, 1986) 7. Guo Mou Xue (male, born January 11, 1970) 8. Guo Mougang (male, born January 25, 1977) 9. He Moushan (male, born April 10, 1972) 10. He Moujun (male, born March 29, 1983) 11. Xu Mouquan (male, born December 16, 1975)
Additionally, two individuals have been detained on suspicion of concealing criminal proceeds: 12. Huang Mou Shuang (male, born March 20, 1975) 13. Zhang Moujiao (female, born April 24, 1976)
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