China's top safety supervisory organ said it will enhance crackdown on illegal coal production, as a recent combination of measures has eased the coal supply shortage.
Song Yuanming, vice-minister for emergency management, said at a news conference organized by the State Council Information Office on Monday coal producers may loosen their supervision on safety if they produce coal in a hurry and at a large scale to meet surging demand.
He said in the peak season for power supply, some coal mines may work at full swing, and some that were ordered to close may even reopen illegally.
Such cases pose threats to safe production, and authorities have been working carefully to address such risks, he said.
The ministry has organized working groups to supervise safety issues in 10 areas where coal mine accidents occur more frequently.
"We will guarantee the bottom line of safety while encouraging mines with potential to increase production to ensure supply for power."
He said another safety challenge came with the rising costs of raw materials. Enterprises have more pressure and difficulty in running their business, leading to less investment to ensure safety.
"We will inspect more in key sectors, including mines and chemical plants, and urge companies to strengthen their responsibility for safety."
From 2018 to 2020, the number of production safety accidents and deaths decreased by 26.9 and 27.6 percent respectively, compared with the previous three years, the ministry said.
