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Facing Wave Of Fatal Accidents, China Orders Unsafe Mines To Close Down
Beijing (AFP) Jun 21, 2005 The Chinese government has issued a circular ordering all unsafe or illegal mines to be closed down in an attempt to stem a wave of large-scale mining accidents. "Some mines have ignored the law, ignored government supervisers and ignored the need for safe production ... causing a series of large-scale accidents," said the circular, posted on the website of the mine safety administration. The circular listed a number of mine categories that should "immediately stop operations and undergo rectification," including mines that lack measures to prevent fatal gas leaks. The document, which was also signed by powerful agencies such as the National Development and Reform Commission, ordered local governments to step up supervision. It is not the first time China has told mine owners to take safety more seriously. But enforcement is usually a problem, as many local officials encourage mining as a means of boosting the economy in the areas they govern. Official figures show that more than 6,000 miners died in accidents in China last year, although independent estimates say the real figure could be as high as 20,000. The State Administration of Work Safety has said it would not be until 2020 that China's mining industry would reach the level of safety seen in "medium developed countries" such as South Korea. China has pledged to invest 1.8 billion dollars in improving coal mine safety this year. In an effort to trim demand, it is also striving to rein in rapid development in coal-guzzling industries such as cement, steel and coal-fired power plants. Community Email This Article Comment On This Article Related Links SpaceDaily Search SpaceDaily Subscribe To SpaceDaily Express China News from SinoDaily.com
China Wants To Expand Sino-US Military Relations
Beijing (AFP) Jan 10, 2006China is ready to expand its military relations with the United States, Chinese Defense Minister Cao Gangchuan said on Tuesday. |
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