Chinese State Councilor Hua Jianmin on Wednesday called for more investment in coal mine safety.

A long-term mechanism was needed to improve safe production and the concept of safe development should be introduced to coal mines, said Hua at a national conference in Jincheng, north China's Shanxi Province.

Efforts should be made to close illegal coal mines and ensure they remained closed, he said.

Gas was the biggest danger in coal mine production, so better control and use of gas is significant to safety and environmental protection, Hua said.

He called for research and adoption of new technology in the control of gas production in coal mines to avoid accidents.

Economic policies should also be made to promote control of gas production and use of gas, Hua said.

(Xinhua News Agency June 22, 2006)