All the small coal mines in the outskirtan areas of the Chinese capital will be shut down by the end of 2007.

 

According to the municipal statute, mines with an annual output of less than 50,000 tons, which make up 70 percent of the current coal mine reserves in Beijing's outskirtan areas, will be closed.

 

The goal was set in a nationwide crackdown on small collieries, which often ignore the country's work safety requirements for profits, according to sources with the municipal land resources bureau.

 

The bureau's statistics showed that by the end of last year, 83of the city's 102 coal mines were found to be "unfit" for safe production. They have been ordered to close. Local district governments were urged to add greenery to rehabilitate the environment marred by mining activities.

 

(Xinhua News Agency February 18, 2006)