Fifteen miners killed after tramcar derails in China Labour rights groups, however, say the actual death toll is likely to be much higher, partly due to under-reporting of accidents as mine bosses seek to limit their economic losses and avoid punishment. China's rapid economic growth has caused demand for energy, including coal, to surge. The Asian nation is the world's leading consumer of coal, relying on it for 70 percent of its growing energy needs, and during the winter months mines are operating at full capacity.