Reuters AlertNet Lite - China to shut 4,000 coal mines in 2007-safety head

Reuters AlertNet Full site

NEWSDESK

China to shut 4,000 coal mines in 2007-safety head

05 Mar 2007 02:46:44 GMT
Source: Reuters

BEIJING, March 5 (Reuters) - China plans to this year shut down 4,000 inefficient and dangerous coal mines with combined annual capacity of about 100 million tonnes, the head of the State Administration of Work Safety said on Monday.

Li Yizhong, speaking to reporters on the sidelines of China's national parliament meeting, said half of this year's closure goal -- or 2,000 mines with minimum capacity of about 30,000 tonnes per year -- have already been closed.

"We will shut more dangerous and polluting coal mines this year according to government regulations," Li said.

In his speech to the opening session of parliament, Premier Wen Jiabao said China in 2006 had targeted surplus production capacity in some industries for closure.

"We closed down backward coal production facilities totalling 110 million tonnes in capacity...," Wen told delegates.

China's mining industry, the world's most deadly, has drawn global attention as fatal accidents occur almost daily. Officials acknowledge that safety regulations are often ignored by mine owners and production is pushed beyond safe limits in the rush for profits.

To address the problem, China has sought to close dangerous and polluting mines, but many are reopened and operate illegally as China's energy demand has soared to feed its robust economy.

From 2005 to the end of 2007, China will have closed a total of 10,000 small coal mines, Li said.

AlertNet news is provided by

Email this article Send comments

Countries

Small country map
© 2004 Europa Technologies Ltd.

Reset map

• China profile
· View map

MORE >>

NGO latest

• Future housing needs defined by high urban growth in AP
Habitat for Humanity

• Christian Aid backs Benn over new China loans to Africa
Christian Aid - UK

• Amputee Cyclist to Trek Around the World to Raise Awareness and Funds for Landmine Survivors
Clear Path International - USA

• Apply to Mercy Corps M&E Consultant Roster
Mercy Corps

MORE >>

Latest news

• China to shut 4,000 coal mines in 2007-safety head

• Scientists to exhume diplomat's corpse for bird flu clues

• China's annual session of parliamant starts

• China's Wen puts emphasis on green growth

• North Korea ready to end nuclear work-envoy

MORE >>

Last updated:Mon Mar 5 02:47:23 2007