Coal, power firms ink supply deals

Six major coal producers based in Shanxi province yesterday signed long-term supply contracts with seven of the country's top electricity companies.

Under the contracts, the power companies - including Huaneng, Huadian and Guodian - will receive a total of 115.8 million tons of coal from 2009 to 2013.

Li Xiaopeng, vice-governor of Shanxi province, said cooperation between the big coal and power providers would help to tackle supply shortages.