(ZHAO PENG)

The coalmine operated by Dongxing Coalmining Co. in Xinmi, Henan Province, where an underground fire killed 25 miners on March 15. This picture was taken on March 16.

A local work safety regulator said the mine should have been undergoing technical renovations, but resumed production without a license.

After the tragedy, the police detained an investor and several senior managing persons of the coalmine. Four officials who are believed to have failed to perform their supervisory roles effectively, including a vice mayor of Xinmi, were removed from their posts.