Concerns, expressed by many, appeared in the provincial media regarding the safety of those working in such a mine. While coal mining typically releases explosive methane gas, the location of the mine was in an area of Pictou County that had an unusually-high level of methane. However, despite the opposition from federal bureaucrats, opposition politicians and a Government of Canada crown agency responsible for coal mining in Cape Breton, the Cape Breton Development Corporation (Devco), Westray Mine was developed through the late eighties and opened in 1991 with significant provincial and federal government assistance. On May 9, 1992 a methane gas explosion killed 26 miners.