Chinese mining authorities promised Feb. 23 to compensate the families of 74 workers who were killed in a series of explosions in China's deadliest mine disaster in a year, the official Xinhua news agency said.

Rescuers pulled hundreds of workers to safety following the blasts early Feb. 22 in a shaft of the Tunlan Coal Mine in Gujiao, near the provincial capital of Taiyuan, in Shanxi province.

Rescue operations were called off Feb. 23 with all workers accounted for, officials said.

Xinhua said provincial mining authorities set aside 28 million yuan ($4 million) for compensation. Families of dead miners would receive at least 200,000 yuan ($29,000) and their children would get compensation until they turn 18.

The mine belongs to the state-run Shanxi Coking Group and had boasted an excellent safety record, with no major accidents in five years. The company is the world's second-largest producer of coking coal, used in the production of steel.