August 12, 2026 - China aims to establish a modern coal industry system by 2030, according to a development plan issued by the National Development and Reform Commission and National Energy Administration via Xinhua report.

The plan calls for China to upgrade its coal industry during the 2026-2030 15th Five-Year Plan as coal consumption approaches its peak.

It sets higher access standards for coal resource development, promotes advanced production capacity and calls for the orderly phase-out of outdated and inefficient mines. The plan also urges a cautious approach to developing deep coal resources.

By 2030, large modern coal mines are expected to account for 87% of China's total coal production capacity, while intelligent mines are targeted to represent 75%. The country's five major coal supply bases are expected to contribute more than 80% of national coal output.

Intelligent coal mines use digital connectivity, automation, artificial intelligence and real-time data to improve mining operations while reducing human intervention and safety risks.

Coal remains a key component of China's energy security as the country advances its green transition. China has set a target to peak coal consumption by 2030 and raise the share of non-fossil fuels in total energy consumption to 25%, increasing the focus on cleaner, more efficient and intelligent coal production and use.

The coal industry is expected to become more concentrated during the 2026-2030 period, with smaller mines prone to accidents and those with depleted resources exiting the market more quickly, said Qu Yang, a researcher at the Coal Industry Planning and Design Research Institute.

The plan also calls for greater use of clean alternatives to coal, improvements in commercial coal quality and the transformation and upgrading of coal-fired power generation. It supports the orderly expansion of coal use as an industrial feedstock.

China will also scale up the development and utilisation of coalbed methane, which can improve mine safety, increase clean energy supply and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

By 2030, China aims to produce 26 billion cubic metres of coalbed methane and utilise 6.5 billion cubic metres of coal mine gas, according to an annex to the plan.