The National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) said coal mine operators to emulate mines which have successfully controlled gas blasts, noting that mines with a good safety record allocate 15 yuan (US$1.8) from every ton of coal produced to fund improved safety. Last year, Beijing inaugurated a system requiring coal mines to start safety funds by pay RMB2-10 (US$0.24-US$1.20) per ton produced. But some governments, Shanxi province, being one stipulated the higher US$1.80 per ton rate, which the NDRC now appeared to be endorsing. Based on last year's output, China's coal mines could build US$3.6bn safety fund if all mines paid the higher rate, state media said. China accounts for 80% of coal mine deaths worldwide and even that figure is thought by many to be understated.
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