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

The recent water shortage in hydro-power stations requires the thermal power plants to decisively increase the electric-power output.

So, the Sunchon Area Youth Coal Mining Complex, a leading coal producer of the country, has concentrated efforts on the tunneling to secure lots of coal beds, regarding this as a solution for increased production.

In particular, the February 8 Jikdong Youth Coal Mine and the Chonsong Youth Coal Mine are making innovations at every coal face by giving precedence to the supply of tunneling equipment and materials and raising technical skills of heading workers.

On the basis of generalizing the successes and experiences made at the advanced collieries, the Pukchang Area Youth Coal Mining Complex and the Tokchon Area Coal Mining Complex are launching the emulation for increased production.

The Tukjang Area Coal Mining Complex has introduced rational working methods suited to the conditions of coal beds and faces and raised the mechanization proportion to increase the production.

The Tukjang Youth Coal Mine and the Myonghak Coal Mine introduced rake conveyors and various machines in cooperation with scientists.