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Shanxi Province, the largest coal producer in China, has pledged to shut down all its illegal coalmines following a string of mine explosions.
None of the illegal coalmines would be spared during the latest crackdown which would last through September, said Governor Liu Zhenhua at a recent conference on the issue.
The provincial government plans to close all types of coalmines that have not been officially approved or have been found inadequate.
Most coalmines where accidents frequently occur are small ones operated by local governments or individuals, with poor safety conditions and equipment. Rising coal prices have encouraged some local governments and individuals to operate the mines illegally.
In the next six weeks, the northern province will make every effort to shut down illegal coalmines, according to the governor.
(Xinhua News Agency August 22, 2002)
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