About 23 miners were trapped underground when a build-up of methane gas exploded 800m below the surface.
Nearly 250 workers were working in the mine at the time of the incident, reported local media channels.
While a majority of the workers escaped to the surface, rescue operations could only recover the bodies of 16 workers, with the condition of two others yet unknown.
Russian steel producing giant Steel Severstal operates the mine outside the city of Vorkuta.
President Vladimir Putin has deputed emergencies minister Vladimir Puchkov to personally oversee the rescue and relief operations.
Puchkov told rescue workers and local officials that the government requires a clear and understandable picture of the events to arrive at the causes behind the accident.
The Emergencies Minister was quoted also by the media as saying that the families of victims would be paid compensation of RUB2m ($66,400).
An Investigative Committee is currently examining the mine to identify any safety violations.
Accidents such as this are common in Russia, arising from negligence and violations of safety standards.
