In 2024, Inner Mongolia remained China’s largest coal producer, with raw coal production reaching 1.297 billion tons, maintaining its position at the top nationwide.
Source: Comprehensive
Inner Mongolia
In 2024, Inner Mongolia remained China’s largest coal producer, with raw coal production reaching 1.297 billion tons, maintaining its position at the top nationwide. According to the Inner Mongolia Energy Bureau, this marked a 5.4% increase compared to the previous year, surpassing the national average growth rate of 4.1%. The three primary coal-producing regions—Ordos, Xilin Gol League, and Hulunbuir—together accounted for 88.3% of Inner Mongolia’s total output, which represents 24.1% of the country’s total coal production. By the end of 2024, 205 coal mines in Inner Mongolia had been upgraded to smart mines, with 88% of the active coal mine capacity now utilizing advanced technologies. All mines producing over 10 million tons annually have completed smart upgrades, boosting production efficiency.
Shanxi
In Shanxi, the share of advanced coal production capacity reached 83% in 2024. The province now has 268 smart coal mines, and 7 newly constructed mines have entered joint trial operations. 10 coal mines completed construction and acceptance inspections, while 5 active mines expanded their production capacity. Shanxi’s raw coal output in 2024 is expected to reach 1.27 billion tons, with 130 new smart mines slated for construction in 2025. The province is also focusing on expanding unconventional natural gas reserves and production.
Shaanxi
In 2024, Shaanxi saw steady growth in coal production, reaching 78.0037 million tons in 2024, a 2.0% year-on-year increase, accounting for 16.38% of the country’s industrial-scale coal production. Coal sales reached 68.716 million tons, up by 0.65%, while coal stocks stood at 2.1343 million tons. By the end of December, Shaanxi’s average coal price was 608 yuan per ton, reflecting a 12.27% drop from the previous month and an 18.93% decrease compared to the same time last year.
Ningxia
In Ningxia, coal production surpassed 100 million tons for the first time in 2024, ranking eighth nationally. The region’s coal reserves now exceed 32 billion tons, placing it tenth in the country.
At the same time, Ningxia is rapidly expanding its modern coal chemical industry base, with the country’s largest 250,000-ton coal-based polyethylene project now operational. The first phase of the 3-million-ton carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) demonstration project has been completed, and the 1.35-million-ton polyolefin upgrade project has begun. The Ningdong base has become the first chemical industrial park in western China with an output value exceeding 200 billion yuan, ranking third in national comprehensive competitiveness and being selected as a National Advanced Manufacturing Cluster.