The management of reform of the small-scale coal mines in China

This paper analyses the role of small-scale coal mines in the social and economic development of China and emphasises some important problems in the future management of these mines. Proposed areas for management reform include: the licensing system, the institutional structure, the allocation of coal resources, enforcing safety standards, taxation, dealing with vested interests, coal markets, the legal system and public relations. It is necessary to emphasise that local government is the key to success in policy implementation and that all levels of government should have the same understanding of and approach to policies for small-scale coal mines. Important challenges include how to improve the quality of mine management, how to co-ordinate the relationship between the large and small-scale coal mines, and how to ensure that local communities and the nation derive long-term benefit from small-scale coal mining.