The coal department of China's National Energy Bureau has stated that by the end of the country's 12th five-year plan period (2011-15) China's annual demand for coal is expected to reach 4.2 billion mt.
Of the annual demand of 4.2 billion mt foreseen for 2015, China's domestic coal production could account for 4.05 billion mt, compared to 3.52 billion mt in 2011, while imported coal could total 150 million mt, down from 182.4 million mt in 2011.
During the 12th five-year plan period, the Chinese government plans to give priority to the promotion of major coal mining projects concentrated at large deposits, building up large coal production bases. Works will be carried out on the principle of controlling coal mining projects in the eastern regions and promoting projects in the western regions, while maintaining moderate speed in the development of coal mining assets in the central region of China.