Southwestern China‘s Yunnan province plans to release about 10 million tonnes per annum (Mtpa) of new coal production capacity each year over 2023-2025, in a bid to boost energy security and enhance resource utilization, according to a three-year plan issued lately by the local government for high-quality development of its coal industry. The province targets to produce 71 million tonnes of raw coal in 2023, further boosting production to 80 million tonnes by 2024 and 90 million tonnes by 2025, the plan said.
In addition to ensuring stable coal supply, the province also aims to enhance the concentration of the coal industry, primarily centered around three key areas of Zhaotong, Qujing, and Honghe, with the additional support of Kunming, Chuxiong, Wenshan, Puer, Dali, Lijiang, Yuxi, and Baoshan. By 2025, these key mining regions are expected to contribute over 90% of the province’s coal production capacity. The plan sets forth a vision for full mechanization in coal mining operations by 2025.
Besides, it is also committed to promoting clean, efficient, and intensive coal development. By 2025, the comprehensive utilization rate of coal gangue is anticipated to reach around 78%, and the extraction of coalbed gas (coal mine methane) is projected to reach 25 billion cubic meters, with a utilization rate of approximately 50%.
The plan also supports the expansion of open-pit coal mines, particularly focusing on the integration of resources in open-pit mines with excellent resource endowments, large single-pit yields, and high safety standards. These mines are encouraged to adjust their construction scales or undergo expansions, ensuring a minimum service life of at least 10 years after the changes.
Yunnan produced 54.85 million tonnes of raw coal during the first three quarters this year, rising 14.4% year on year. The volume accounted for 5.4% of China‘s total during the same period, according to the National Bureau of Statistics.
