China's coal demand will rise next year to 2.5 billion tons, said Ou Xinqian,
vice minister of the National Development and Reform Commission in
Beijing on Wednesday.
"The domestic coal production can meet the
demand," said Ou at a conference. "But shortages may occur in some regions due
to inadequate railway transportation capacity."
Ou said the coal demand
in east China would be met next year, but the crunch may occur in central and
western China.
China's coal production capacity stands at 2.35 billion
tons, with 800 million tons of capacity under development, Ou said.
This
year's coal supply increased 9 percent year-on-year to 2.4 billion tons,
satisfying the demand. But Ou warned of overcapacity and overtime operation in
some coal mines.
Ou also said the closure of illegal small coal mines
would not affect supply next year. China planned to close another 4,800 small
mines before mid-2008.
Chinese coal mines are known as the most
dangerous in the world. The closures of illegal small mines have led to about
850 fewer deaths this year.
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