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The death toll is down by 993, or 25.5% on the same period of last year, with 1824 colliery accidents recorded during the eight-month period, Xinhua reported.
In September, however, a spate of coal mine accidents have already added to the death toll, which could easily top the 5986 people reportedly killed in China’s coal mines last year.
Wu Yin, an official involved in coal mine accident prevention, said the Government would invest 3 billion yuan ($US375 million) in state bonds to improve coal mine safety by the end of 2006.
The funds will focus on improving ventilation systems and coal mine gas utilisation facilities at major state-owned coal mines as well as strengthening safety measures at smaller mines.
Despite repeated government promises to improve safety, an average of 5000 people are estimated to die in the country’s coal mines each year due to outdated equipment, gas leaks, explosions and floods.
