China is accelerating the shift of its coal production toward the country’s central and western regions, as part of a broader effort to strengthen national energy security and industrial efficiency.
Source：People’s Daily
China is accelerating the shift of its coal production toward the country’s central and western regions, as part of a broader effort to strengthen national energy security and industrial efficiency. According to the 2024 Annual Report on Coal Industry Development released by the China National Coal Association, coal output has grown steadily in recent years, with the industry’s production center moving further inland.
In 2024, the provinces of Shanxi, Shaanxi, Inner Mongolia, and Xinjiang produced a combined 3.9 billion tonnes of coal—accounting for 81.6% of the national total, up 3.4 percentage points from 2020. Xinjiang, in particular, is emerging as a major player. The region’s annual coal output surpassed 500 million tonnes for the first time this year, while outbound shipments exceeded 130 million tonnes, thanks to the rapid development of large-scale mining bases and the release of advanced production capacity.
China is also pushing forward the development of five major coal supply hubs: Shanxi, western and eastern Inner Mongolia, northern Shaanxi, and Xinjiang. Together, they are helping to establish a more balanced production structure across eastern, central, and western regions.
The industry is becoming more streamlined as well. The number of coal mines nationwide has dropped from over 4,600 to fewer than 4,300 since 2021. Large, modern coal mines—each producing more than 1.2 million tonnes annually—now make up the bulk of national output, according to Guo Zhonghua, head of policy research at the China National Coal Association.
Looking ahead, the report projects a relatively stable market for 2024, with supply expected to slightly outpace demand, leading to more favorable conditions for consumers and downstream industries.
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