China's Coal Industry At the Crossroads

Author

Jerry C. Tien, Missouri University of Science and TechnologyFollow

Abstract

Changes and the pace of change in China's coal industry have been extraordinary during the past several years. At least 35 of the 94 former coal bureaus have been restructured into different mining companies and groups. Some of the more productive and efficient ones were further strengthened through consolidation and expansions. And several have even formed, or are in the process of forming, strategic alliances with utility companies, railroads, ports and chemical companies to secure additional reserves and coal sales. In addition, the improvement in coal pricing during the past two years has enabled China's coal industry to move ahead with some needed changes. Coal mining accidents, though, remain a major concern for the Chinese government. Accidents remain high even though the government has made efforts to shutdown more than 55,000 unlicensed, unsafe small coal operations throughout the country.

Recommended Citation

J. C. Tien, "China's Coal Industry At the Crossroads," Mining Engineering, Society of Manufacturing Engineers, Jan 2003.

Department(s)

Mining Engineering

International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)

0026-5187

Document Type

Article - Journal

Document Version

Citation

File Type

text

Language(s)

English

Rights

© 2003 Society of Manufacturing Engineers, All rights reserved.

Publication Date

01 Jan 2003