The safety regulation of small-scale coal mines in China: Analysing the interests and influences of stakeholders

• DOI: 10.1016/j.enpol.2012.09.069
• Publication Date: 2012-10-18T02:32:14Z
• Authors: Xiaoqian Song; Xiaoyi Mu
• Keywords: 330; 13. Climate action; Small scale mining; 0502 economics and business; 05 social sciences; 8. Economic growth; 11. Sustainability; Safety; 7. Clean energy; Stakeholder analysis; 12. Responsible consumption

Abstract Small scale coal mines (SCMs) have played an important role in China’s energy supply. At the same time, they also suffer from many social, economic, environmental, and safety problems. The Chinese government has made considerable efforts to strengthen the safety regulation of the coal mining industry. Yet, few of these efforts have proven to be very effective. This paper analyzes the interests and influences of key stakeholders in the safety regulation of SCMs, which includes the safety regulator, the local government, the mine owner, and mineworkers. We argue that the effective regulation of coal mine safety must both engage and empower mineworkers.