China's top economic planner, energy regulator and mine safety watchdog have jointly issued a notice dated September 17, calling for safe and stable coal production and supply.

Coal-producing provinces and coal companies should make every effort to maintain stable coal production and supply while ensuring safe operations, according to the notice.

The notice calls on them to strengthen production monitoring and coordination, optimize production organization, and steadily advance the resumption and ramp-up of coal mines.

It also urges authorities to speed up acceptance inspections for mines undergoing joint trial operations and promote a steady recovery in coal output, in order to provide stronger support for economic growth and energy supply.

For mines that meet safety requirements, monthly output for the remaining months of this year may be organized at no more than one-twelfth of their designed or approved capacity, subject to approval by the provincial government, the notice said. The arrangement applies through the end of December.

The notice also sets requirements for medium- and long-term thermal coal contract signing and fulfillment, calls for coal imports to play a supplementary and balancing role in domestic supply, and urges the development of replacement coal production capacity. 

Going forward, relevant authorities will strengthen coordination, guide coal-producing regions and companies in implementing the measures, adjust and improve policies, release coal production capacity reserves when appropriate, and stabilize coal supply to promote smooth market operations.