Although there were 567 fewer deaths than in the same period last year, mine operators had to improve ventilation and prevent fire, dust and gas to help safety, Zhang Baoming, the director of the State Coal Industry Bureau, was quoted as saying .

The call for improved safety comes as state media reported that 10 miners were trapped in a flooded coal mine in the central province of Henan with little hope of survival.

The mine in Zhengzhou city, the provincial capital, was shut down last year, but the owner illegally started production again this year.

The local government was still carrying out rescue efforts after the mine was flooded on Monday.

(eastday.com 12/12/2000)