Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Dejiang Tuesday called for intensified efforts to ensure safe mining operations and prevent major accidents.

Mining accidents have fallen 14 percent since the beginning of the year due to added safety measures and the upgrading of mining equipment, Zhang said.

However, China still faces a daunting task to prevent life-threatening gas leaks and explosions in the mining industry, Zhang said.

Further, Zhang said coal companies must pump out methane gas before mining a coal deposit and install safety devices that monitor explosive gas levels in real time.

Mine operators, local governments and various departments should beef up prevention measures to prevent gas explosions and ensure methane is kept at safe levels.

Also, the country should push for mergers and acquisitions within the coal mining industry and continue to support the upgrading of safety technologies for coal companies, Zhang said.

China should also step up supervision of coal mines while eliminating potential hazards to all miners, Zhang added.

(Xinhua News Agency November 3, 2010)