Li springs a surprise on coal mine visit

Updated: 2016-01-06 07:39

By Zhang Yue(China Daily)

Premier Li Keqiang (2nd R) inspects the Guandi mine of Xishan Coal Electricity Group Co.Ltd, in North China's Shanxi province, Jan 5, 2016. Li had an inspection tour in Taiyuan, capital of North China's Shanxi province on Jan 4 and Jan 5. [Photo/Xinhua]

The two-day visit to Shanxi is Li's first trip of the year. Most of his agenda comprises visits to traditional industries such as coal mines and iron and steel works.

The province has relied for decades on developing its rich mining resources. In 2012, about 56.6 percent of its GDP came from the coal mining industry. But an industry slump both domestically and globally has hit Shanxi hard, especially last year.