Firm could transform electricity sector

Datong Coal Mine Group's power model may become China's norm

Datong Coal Mine Group Co Ltd (Tongmei) generates power from the fuel it produces close to the pit it came from. The trial at Tashan industrial park by China's largest coal miner may become a model for the country's changing industry.

Visitors get just a hint that they are near one of the world's largest coal mines. The Tashan park is about 30 kilometers to the south of Datong city in northern Shanxi province. There are broad and clean roads, neatly cut plants lining streets, fresh air and a sparsely populated modern residential area.