In this regard, Kim Chang Sok, department director of the Ministry of Coal Industry, told KCNA:

In his New Year address the dear respected Kim Jong Un said that the sector of coal-mining industry should raise the fierce flames of an upsurge in production to ensure enough supply of coal for the thermal power stations and several sectors of the national economy.

Encouraged by his deep trust, all colliers across the country are now replete with a strong will to greet the 7th Congress of the Workers' Party of Korea with unprecedentedly increased coal production.

In the first five days of the year, about 5 000 more tons of coal were produced throughout the country than the same period of last year.

The Sunchon Area Youth Coal-mining Complex has carried out daily assignment at 102 percent.

The Tokchon Area Coal-mining Complex topped its daily quota two percent by introducing rational blasting methods while the Kaechon Area Coal-mining Complex increased its production considerably.

Collieries in Tukjang, Kangdong and Pukchang areas raised the tunneling speed 1.2 times and those in Hamnam (South Hamgyong Province) area carried out their daily quota at 124 percent.