China to close 5,290 dangerous coal mines

The Chinese government is closing 5,290 coal mines in a safety crackdown on the world’s deadliest mining industry, it was announced today.

The figure is higher than a previously reported estimate of 4,000 mines that would be closed after safety inspections in 2005, the official Xinhua News Agency said. It cited figures released at a conference held by the State Administration of Work Safety.