According to data available at the Ministry of Coal Industry, over 500 coalfaces were secured as of December 11 for increased coal production in this winter and progresses have been made in capital, preparatory and slope tunneling every day.

In this regard, Ri Kyong Chol, vice department director of the ministry, told KCNA:

Coal miners across the country are fully determined to glorify this year, a year of weighty significance in implementing the five-year strategy for national economic development, with increased production.

The Sunchon Area Youth Coal Mining Complex, a leading coal producer of the country, has provided more than 150 coalfaces, while the Pukchang Area Youth Coal Mining Complex secured 50-odd more big coalfaces, as compared with the same period of last year.

The same is true of coal mines in Tukjang, Kangdong, Kujang, Anju and Chonnae areas.