Transforming China's coal mines: A case history of the Shuangliu Mine

Abstract

China is the largest coal producer and the largest coal consuming country in the world. Approximately half of China's coal comes from small-scale mines. The sustainability of China's coal industry would be improved if a greater share of the coal come from larger-scale mines. This article presents a case history of the Shuangliu Mine in Shanxi Province and discusses the issues and benefits of the transformation of this mine. Significant gains were observed in worker safety and benefits, and in more efficient exploitation of the coal resource. Problems included loss of employment opportunities for local labourers, and reduced revenue for local townships. The wider implications of a shift of China's coal supply from small-scale to large-scale mining operations are discussed in relation to economic, social and environmental aspects.