Coal mining and environmental development in southwest China

This paper attempts to discuss the role of coal mining in enhancing environmental development in southwest China since 2000 from local and regional perspectives. The case study undertaken in the Beipan River Basin, Guizhou revealed that: (1) some coal mines are positively moving towards sustainable development; (2) decoupling, a circular economy, scientific innovation, economic transformation, and industrial diversification have proven useful theories and practices for promoting a sustainable mining industry; (3) China's western development strategy (WDS) has had a powerful influence on the coal mining in southwest China; and, (4) coal industry can contribute to a better environment from the local to the global level. However, some challenges persist e.g., lack of post-decommission management, poor pollution control, lack of technology for solid waste, and socioeconomic and environmental pressure on the coal industry in southwest China. The author argues that the future role of coal mining in relation to environmental development will largely depend upon the national government's guiding ideology vis-à-vis development, enforcement of laws and policies, public participation and industry's corporate social responsibility.