China, the world's biggest producer and consumer of coal, has shut all coal mines in southwestern Chinese areas that were stuck by the nation's strongest earthquake in 58 years.

Coal mines in other regions should ``actively organize production'' to ensure domestic supply and stabilize coal prices, the Beijing-based China National Coal Association said in a statement dated yesterday. It didn't give any figures for the production that has been shut down since the May 12 quake.

The government on May 13 ordered coal mines, chemical plants and oil and gas wells in areas affected by the earthquake to halt production to avoid further casualties. The magnitude 7.9 temblor has killed about 15,000 people. ... Read full article