Accompanying him were Secretary Kim Ki Nam and department directors Pak Nam Gi and Jang Song Thaek of the WPK Central Committee.

Kim Jong Il gave field guidance to the Pukchang Thermal Power Complex.

Guided by the leading officials of the complex, he went to the room devoted to its history.

Then he went round the general production direction office and other parts of the complex to learn in detail about the output of electricity.

After going round the exterior and interior of the cultural and welfare facilities, including the Taephyong Health Centre built in a peculiar style in the compound of the complex, he said: It is admirable that the officials of the complex wonderfully built those facilities urgently necessary for the workers' living to provide them with better conditions for culture and rest.

The complex's position and role are very important as it takes a big portion in the nation's electricity output, he said, advancing the tasks to be carried out by the complex.

What is the most important task facing the complex is to ensure the efficient equipment and technical management so as to bring the equipment into full operation, he stressed.

In order to normalize the power output on a high level at the complex, it is important, above all, to supply in time enough coal, the main fuel for thermal power plant, he said, underlining the need to increase the coal production at the relevant coal mines and well organize the transport of it at the railway sector.

The next leg of his visit was the February 8 Jikdong Youth Coal Mine.

He went round the monuments to President Kim Il Sung's on-site guidance and instructions and the room devoted to the history of the mine.

After being briefed on the mine in front of the map on its prospective plan, he went round the general production direction office, the room for scientific and technological studies, supply service facilities and other places of the mine to acquaint himself in detail with its modernization project and production.

Saying that the mine has very important mission and role to play, he set forth the tasks facing the mine.

He held that the Sunchon Area Youth Coal Mining Complex, including the February 8 Jikdong Youth Coal Mine, should be built up in a prospective way to be turned into a leading coal producer as it is abundant in deposit of quality coal.