China to tap its coal resources more safely, efficiently

Facing serious coal shortages and frequent accidents, China is determined to exploit its coal mine resources more safely and efficiently.

China's coal industry must find a sustainable way of development with high efficiency, high safety, good economic benefits and less pollution, according to an executive meeting of the State Council held here Wednesday, which was presided over by Premier Wen Jiabao.

Coal, an important basic energy and raw material, takes position of strategic importance in China's economic development. Priorities should go to scientific planning of coal production and the development of large scale coal producers, according to a press released of the meeting.

Due to a loose management system, China's coal industry is in a disorderly state and small-sized coal mines account for a large percent of the country.

Efforts should also be made to speed up construction of major transport channels and ports.

The meeting requires concerned departments to improve the management system, enhance producing technology, regulate the coal market and build a stable coal supply system.

To tackle the coal mine accidents that have baffled the country for years, more investment should be put into establishing a security system for work safety, in particular for coal mine gas control, said the meeting.

Efforts should also go into the industrialization of clean coal technology and the building of a recycling coal economy, it said.

Source: Xinhua