An explosion at a coal mine near Tkibuli in the western province of Imereti on January 21st killed one miner and injured four. This was the third such explosion at this mine in less than a year; in March 2010, four miners were killed and one injured after a similar explosion, and a second explosion killed another four miners and injured six in August. Another miner was killed in December 2009, when a protective barrier collapsed. In response to the latest explosion, the miners-with the support of the Trade Union of Metallurgy, Mining and Chemical Industry Workers-began a strike in support of a package of demands including permanent employment contracts, pay rises in line with inflation, paid holidays of 40 days per year, and payment of overtime. Their demands also included the improvement of working conditions through the provision of modern safety systems along with protective clothing and equipment, and the introduction of pension and compensation systems for the families of those killed or injured. On February 3rd the miners ended their strike, claiming that most of their demands had been met. As a result of the incident, two members of the mine's management team were arrested, and Mr Saakashvili harshly criticised the owners of the mine for ignoring safety norms.

The mine is operated by Saknakhshiri, which is part of the Georgian Industrial Group (GIG), a business conglomerate founded by an influential member of parliament (MP), Davit Bezhuashvili of the ruling United National Movement (UNM). Mr Bezhuashvili is also believed to be one of the main financial backers of the UNM. GIG incorporates a wide range of other businesses, including the import and distribution of natural gas, and owns shares in the private television channels Mze and Rustavi2. Mr Bezhuashvili's brother, Gela Bezhuashvili, is the head of the intelligence service and was previously foreign minister. Shortly after the incident, it was announced that Gela Bezhuashvili had taken temporary leave of absence for training in the US, leading to press speculation that the Georgian authorities were distancing themselves from the Bezhuashvili brothers.