Reuters News reported the country’s cabinet set aside the money in next year’s budget. The funds follow a total of four billion yuan already spend in 2002 and 2003 on preventing mine accidents.
China has one of the worst track records in underground mine safety.
During August three gas explosions occurred at coalmines in the cities of Datong, Yangquan and Jinzhong, leaving 88 miners dead and 10 missing to date.
Meanwhile, nearly all coal mines in the Shanxi Province have remained suspended after the spate of disasters. The mines have been ordered not to reopen until inspection teams have done safety checks.
