China will complete its reform of the mining industry by the end
of 2008 to ensure only one company is allowed to exploit one mine,
according to a central government statement.
The move is aimed at reducing the rate of accidents, lowering
pollution and improving efficiency in the way mineral resources are
used.
According to a document released by nine ministerial-level
agencies, including the Ministry of Land and Resources, the policy
will be in place for at least three kinds of mineral resources and
in at least five major mining areas before the end of 2007.
"The whole reshuffle work should be finished and exploitation of
one mine by more than one company should be terminated by the end
of next year," the document said.
Data from the Ministry of Land and Resources shows there are
5,345 mining areas with verified reserves nationwide, but the
number of mining franchises total 13,227. A mining area is often
exploited by several enterprises, particularly in the coal
sector.
"Multiple mining of an area which should be exploited by one
enterprise often lead to pernicious competition and production
beyond capacity. The result is frequent accidents, inefficient use
of resources and pollution of the environment," said a senior
official surnamed Bai with the Ministry of Land and Resources.
Last year China recorded more than 4,800 mine accidents, which
claimed more than 7,000 lives. Most of the accidents happened in
small mines.
The 17,000 small collieries nationwide account for one third of
China's total coal production but two thirds of accidents and
related deaths. China plans to shut down 10,000 unqualified small
collieries by 2008.
Chinese mines are also subject to small-scale yet extensive
operation. "The mines have gone down the path of unsustainable
development," said Liu Baojun of the Chinese Academy of
Sciences.
According to the document, large enterprises with more advanced
technology, stricter management and better equipment should take
over smaller exploiters.
Provincial governments will take responsibility of the
reshuffle. "Areas failing to complete the process of integration in
time should be inspected and closed off to prospecting and mining
franchises," the document said.
The document also ordered the establishment of an environmental
restoration system in all mines and mining waste to be stored and
disposed of in a centralized way.
(Xinhua News Agency January 22, 2007)