China to close at least 4,000 coal mines by year-end

At least 4,000 mines across the country have to be shut down by the year-end, according to Zhao Tiechui, head of the State Administration of Coal Mine Safety on Nov. 7.

Altogether 12,148 coal mines have been ordered to halt production for safety reasons and start renovation, Zhao said.

As learned from a visual meeting held by the State Administration of Work Safety and the State Administration of Coal Mine Safety, among the 12, 148 mines, 30 percent of them have passed inspection and 70 percent of them failed.

1,870 mines have been closed. In light of relevant stipulations of the two administrations, mines that have not applied for certificates for safe production should suspend production for renovation. Those that are still judged unqualified after renovation will be closed by the end of 2005.

Zhao made explicitly that in the last two months, coal mine safety inspection authorities at all levels must make all-out efforts in concentrated renovation and closing of mines.

The two administrations have sent several supervision groups to key regions.

By People's Daily Online