China to take stronger action against illegal coal mining

Beijing

CHINA will take stronger action against illegal coal projects as it tries to tackle a massive capacity glut in the sector, the country's state planning agency said, after ordering the closure of 38 projects.

The National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) had ordered the immediate closure of the projects for breaching industry policies, it said in a notice posted on its website (http://www.ndrc.gov.cn) on Friday. "Recent results of a special inspection of illegal coal mine construction showed that there are still a small number of illegal projects under construction or in operation, and (we) must pursue rectification work with a more resolute attitude, stronger measures and stricter punishments," it said.