China mine accidents kill 1,799 in January-June

BEIJING, July 10 (Reuters) Accidents at Chinese coal mines killed nearly 1,800 people in the first half of this year, 14.3 per cent fewer than in the same period of 2006, the Xinhua news agency said today.

But while overall deaths declined, there were more accidents where the toll numbered between 10 and 30, Xinhua cited the State Work Safety Supervision Administration as saying.

Two accidents so far this year had caused more than 30 fatalities, it said.

China has been battling to improve safety standards in the world's deadliest major coal industry, but accidents remain commonplace as mines push production beyond safety limits amid buoyant demand.

A total of 4,746 Chinese coal miners were killed in thousands of blasts, floods and other accidents last year, down 20 percent from 2005, according to official estimates.

Authorities would push ahead with efforts to make mines safer and crack down on illegal activities, the official report said.

REUTERS PY ND1855