Shandong shuts coal mines to curb smog

JINAN -- China's eastern province of Shandong eliminated 2.88 million tonnes of outdated production capacity and closed down 13 coal mines in 2014, the provincial coal industry bureau said on Saturday.

The closed mines accounted for about two million tonnes of the eliminated production capacity while another five were ordered to upgrade technology to make their operations more efficient and cut unwanted yield.

The province will shut down a further 35 coal mines with an annual yield of less than 300,000 tonnes in 2015.

To ensure blue skies during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation meetings in November, Beijing and its neighboring regions, including Shandong, imposed temporary restrictions, including halting emission-heavy production and limiting the number of cars on the streets.