China to close 7,000 coal mines

from BBC News

China is suspending production at a third of its coal mines, in an effort to reduce the huge number of fatal accidents that blight the industry.

The 7,000 mines affected will need to meet national safety standards before they can reopen, state media report.

More than 3,000 miners have been killed this year alone, in fires, floods and other work-related accidents.

Analysts say the closures may be hard to enforce, as jobs and energy needs can take precedence over safety.

>> Read the complete article