Province to diversify coal industry amid concerns over environment

Shanxi province, China's energy base, aims to transform its traditional coal industry amid mounting pressure from environmental protection and ecological restoration, top officials said on Thursday.

"We have no other choice than transformation. Coal is still our advantage in resources, but the industry should be diversified, and emerging sectors should also be boosted," Yuan Chunqing, the province's Party chief, said during a panel discussion at the 12th National People's Congress on Thursday.