China sees fewer coal mine deaths in first two months

Coal mine accidents killed 357 in China in the January-February period, 9.8 percent down year on year, said the State Administration of Work Safety on Friday.

The total death toll in all kinds of accidents in the period also dropped 14.5 percent year on year to 15,582, said the administration.

"We did a good job in the first two months, but there remains a lot of problems," said Li Yizhong, head of the administration.

"Several illegal coal mines that have been told to be shut down are still in operation now," said Li. "Some officials are afraid of difficulties in the battle against illegal coal mines."

A total of 2,723 coal mines must be closed in the first quarter, Li said.

The administration required coal mines to prevent a rebound in accidents after the Spring Festival, during which 88.2 percent of coal mines halted operation.

Meanwhile, fireworks caused three more major accidents this Spring Festival, killing 16 more than the same period of last year.

Those engaged in illegal production and sale of fireworks must be held responsible and government measures must be carried out effectively to rectify the market, said the administration.

Source: Xinhua