The Shanxi government estimates coal mining has cost the province 77 billion yuan in "environmental economic losses". GEOLOGICAL DISASTERSMine-induced subsidence is not unique to China, but its problems dwarf those of other countries. China's land ministry said last month it would spend 75 billion yuan ($11.27 billion) over the next five years to restore mined land and treat mining waste nationwide. Miners are required to pay "subsidence fees" to pay for the cleanup when their mines close. To help with the clean-up, China is encouraging developers to turn abandoned mining sites into wind and solar power projects.

Source: The Star August 14, 2016 01:52 UTC