Wirerope workshop in one of Datong Coal's many factories.[Photo/China Daily]

China may have the world's largest coal industry, but it is also the most fragmented. And, consolidating the country's coalmines is imperative, but it is also difficult.

However, Datong Coal has been a major force in the recent move to consolidate.

Before 2008, it acquired 23 small coalmines in three cities in Shanxi.

In 2008, it examined more than 500 mines around the province and took in 129 square kilometers of coalfields, with 2.1 billion tons of coal in all.

Since last year, the group took in 85 collieries in six cities in the province and turned them into 31 larger, more mechanized mines. That move brought 2 billion tons of additional coal reserves and 22.5 million tons a year in additional capacity.

"The consolidation of resources laid a base for a bigger, stronger company," said Wu Yongping, Datong Coal's president.

"This is a strategic project that will benefit the country, the province, the industry and the people. It can drive the regional economy and protect the nation's energy safety," said Wu.

This year, Datong Coal continued its integration effort. By the end of this year, the group will complete its technological improvements at seven mines and add 9.5 million tons of annual capacity.