China's coal mining capacity grew by 194 million tonnes to 3.53 billion tonnes in 2018, despite the country's plan to cut coal consumption as it continues to fight against pollution, Reuters reported March 26, citing the country's National Energy Administration.

Coal mines in China dropped to 3,373 in 2018 from 3,907 in 2017, but the energy bureau has approved seven coal mining projects since the start of 2019.

China produced 3.55 billion tonnes of coal in 2018, a 5.2% increase from 2017.