Another Deadly Coal Accident in China Threatens Output Growth

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China mined nearly 4.5 billion tons of coal last year, a record, as Beijing prioritizes production of its mainstay fuel to safeguard energy security. Photo: Bloomberg

(Bloomberg) — Fatal accidents continue to undermine China’s coal industry, with the latest incident in the northwestern province of Shaanxi set to impede plans to raise production if authorities once again ramp up scrutiny of mine safety.

A gas explosion on Monday at a mine in China’s third-largest coal province killed 11, halting operations there and ending a month-long run of declining prices for thermal coal. It’s the worst accident since February, when a mine collapse in the Inner Mongolia autonomous region claimed 53 lives and triggered nationwide checks on safety.