China's National Development and Reform commission announced plans for a consolidation of the country's coal mining industry, establishing 13 large-scale production bases to ensure stable supplies, efficiency and boost safety. The measures are designed to strengthen government regulation of the industry and come amid growing concerns that coal production is failing to keep pace with the demands of the economy. The announcement also follows a series of disasters at private and state-owned coal mines that have left hundreds of miners dead. China relies heavily on coal for its energy needs. It currently accounts for about three quarters of power generation.