China's crude coal output reached 2.325 billion tons in 2006, up 8.1 percent year on year, according to sources with the State Administration of Coal Mine Safety.

China's crude coal production dropped to a low of 999 million tons in 2000, and then rebounded to 1.415 billion tons in 2002 and 1.997 billion tons in 2004.

Coal mine safety situation is still highly unsatisfactory, with accidents occurring far too frequently, said Zhao Tiechui, chief of the administration.

Zhao asked local departments to close down coal mines that do not conform to national coal industry policy as well as those that cause serious pollution.

In 2006, the death toll in coal mine accidents was 4,746, down 20 percent from the previous year. It was the first time in 30 years the figure dropped below 4,800, the administration said.

Source: Xinhua