There was a need to take more measures to crack down on illegal coal mines and those that heavily polluted the environment, said a guideline jointly issued by 14 Chinese government departments on Saturday.

The guideline, released on the website of the State Administration of Work Safety, says severe accidents frequently happened in illegal and small coal mines. It said the government needed to make greater efforts to ensure working safety in coal mines.

China's government should promote the healthy development of the coal industry by eliminating outmoded production methods, restructuring enterprises and improving the ability of coal mining management.

China is also to encourage and support mergers and acquisitions between domestic coal mine enterprises, in a bid to upgrade production capability and improve technology.

Since 2005, China has closed more than 12,000 small coal mines whose annual output was below 300,000 tonnes.

(Xinhua News Agency August 30, 2009)