The National Mine Safety Administration has sent a comprehensive inspection team to coal-rich Shanxi province to conduct week-long supervision during September 16-23, in an effort to ensure safety during the 20th national party congress, according to a notice issued by Shanxi Emergency Management Office on September 20.
Major coal-producing cities of Jinzhong, Xinzhou and Linfen will go through inspection by the country-level supervision team during the period, while other cities are requested to be inspected by the province.
Earlier on September 18, Xiaoyi, a coal mining hub in Luliang city of Shanxi, carried out a 13-day safety scrutiny to eight coal mines under Shanxi Coking Coal Group after an accident happened in Luliang on September 11.
Over 19-20, two coal mine accidents occurred in Linfen and Luliang killing two workers. The two mines respectively produce low-sulfur fat coal and high-sulfur primary coking coal, with each having a production capacity of 1.20 million tonnes per annum.
After the accidents, local governments tightened safety inspections and temporarily ordered coal mines' suspension regionally for scrutiny.
Data showed, Shanxi had reported seven coal mine accidents since the start of September.
The inspections have resulted in tightened coal supply in the accident areas, although some other regions in the province still reported limited impact on production.
At least five provinces and municipalities have announced to carry out coal mine safety inspections, including Shanxi, Hebei, Yunnan, Liaoning and Tianjin, since the start of the month, Sxcoal learned.
(Writing by Emma Yang Editing by Tammy Yang)
For any questions, please contact us by inquiry@fwenergy.com or +86-351-7219322.