Datong Coal hopes for an annual production of 150 million tons and sales of 5 million yuan (about $750,000) for 2010.

But this mission, coupled with the recent coal mine accidents, not only in China but abroad as well, have increased the pressure on staff members.

So, to put their minds at ease and keep their enthusiasm alive the company came up with a new management concept, in 2009, the idea of "happy work".

Wu Yongping, the company's president, explained it by saying, "We turned to this concept to develop human-oriented management and soft power as well. We believe it will create a more harmonious work atmosphere and inject new vigor and vitality to drive our scientific development.

"The concept not only applies to the work itself, but also the mental and physical health and other aspects of our staff member."

Comfortable housing is one of the basic principles behind this idea, and, improving accommodations and the surroundings have been the company's primary goal in recent years.

It began a construction project in 2006 at a cost of more than 9.7 billion yuan. To date, 1,275 residential buildings have been completed for 300,000 miners and their families.

The company has also established a more comprehensive health system because "maintaining your health is a precondition of happiness," Wu said.

The system includes health insurance, centers for dealing with major diseases, regular physical exams, and holidays.

"We've organized recreational activities for some 25,000 employees who work belowground and have 32 community health centers that help them see a doctor quickly," Wu added.

In addition, according to one miner, there is a drinking water supply in the mine, 24-hour dining halls, and a community recreation center where they can do exercise and enjoy performances, all of which contribute to their lives.