Beijing probes coal, chemical firms in bid to curb pollution

Beijing

BEIJING'S government is investigating coal and other mining companies, as well as firms producing dangerous chemicals, in an effort to raise safety standards and push polluting enterprises out of the city, state media reported on Sunday.

Chinese authorities have come under growing pressure to combat a pervasive smog problem, which is a major source of public dissatisfaction, coming after decades of unbridled economic growth.