Ningxia is rich in coal, and its proven coal reserves are estimated to be 31.1 billion tons, the sixth largest in China. The Ningdong Coal Base is one of 13 national key bases capable of producing more than 100 million tons of coal annually. Ningxia's high quality coal--which is low in ash, sulfur and phosphorus and has high chemical reactivity--is ideal both for power generation and the chemical industry.

"We came up with the Ningdong development plan many years ago, but there was little effect due to lack of funds and policy support. Worse still, there was a coal market surplus at the time," said He. "We did not get the appropriate opportunity until the late 1990s when the market became favorable and the Western Development Strategy launched nationwide."

"It has become a trend to develop coal-electricity projects," He added. "We have been trying our best to convert our advantages in terms of natural resources into economic benefits."

Safety first

"I've been working here at Ningdong Base for more than two years. To be honest, it is a high-risk job. Unfortunately, many people treat it with neglect," Su Yaning told Beijing Review.

In the past four years, three of Su's fellow workers who did not abide by safety procedures have died at the construction site.

"Newcomers must undergo safety training, and they aren't qualified to work until they pass the exams. Moreover, it is a routine for every employee to attend the safety education session every Monday morning," Su said. "Money matters, but safety is the top priority."

He echoed Su's view, saying there is nothing more important than safe production at the Ningdong Base.

"Work safety in Ningxia, particularly in coal mines, is good," said He. "The local government has been making every effort to close down illegal kilns in recent years, and it paid off--while the number of coal mines has been reduced to 130 from more than 300 in the past six years, production increased about 20 million tons."

According to He, the incident and death rates in Ningxia's coal mines in 2007 were lower than the national average; in the past seven years, no single incident caused more than 10 deaths, the best safety record Ningxia has ever had in coal production.

A rosy outlook

Construction of the Ningdong Base, which includes eight coal mines, nine electricity fields, four wind farms and the Ningdong-Shandong transmission project, is scheduled for completion in 2020.

With a total investment of 300 billion yuan ($43.9 bilion), the base is expected to produce 130 million tons of coal and 20 million tons of coal-chemical products, with 16 million kw/h in power generation capacity. The transmission project, part of China's West to East Electricity Transmission program, will deliver 4,000 megawatts, advancing development in both Ningxia and eastern China's Shandong Province.

"Regional GDP will double to 200 billion yuan ($29.3 billion), narrowing the gap between Ningxia's economy and the national average," said He.

Backgrounder: Chronicle of the Ningdong Base

On June 9, 2003, the Ningdong Base construction project, also known as the No.1 Project in Ningxia, was formally launched.

On December 26, 2003, the opening ceremonies of the Ningdong Maliantai Power Plant and the Ningdong water supply project were held, marking the start of the Base's construction.

On April 28, 2006, the Ningdong Coal Base was approved as one of the 13 national key coal bases.

On March 28, 2007, the report on the Base's environmental impact met national inspection standards.

On November 20, 2007, the Base was approved as the country's trial base for promoting a cyclical economy.

On September 7, 2008, the Base was listed as an important national-level development base by the State Council.

On December 15, 2008, the Ningdong Base began construction of eight massive industrial projects, with an investment of more than 50 billion yuan ($7.2 billion).

(Source: nxnet.cn)