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From digging coal to selling noodles? China’s mining workers face change
Former miners are shifting to restaurants and tour jobs as Datong’s tourism sector grows, while 800,000 miners in Shanxi face an uncertain transition.
- In Datong, China's coal capital, retired miner Yang Haiming now sells lamb skewers to tourists visiting the Yungang Grottoes, reflecting the region's economic shift away from mining.
- Once a bustling coal hub, Datong faces economic uncertainty as older mines near the end of their lives, ending the era when workers earned up to 10,000 renminbi monthly.
- Approximately 800,000 miners produced 1.3 billion tons of coal in 2025, representing nearly one-third of China's total output and demonstrating coal's continued dominance in the regional economy.
- Many workers lack alternative skills for new industries; ride-share driver Xu doubts tourism and renewable energy jobs will benefit workers equally, according to activist Tom Wang, founder of People of Asia for Climate Solutions.
- Despite the transition, China continues expanding coal power, adding 78 gigawatts in 2025, as analyst Qi Qin at CREA notes the nation cannot yet entirely depend on renewable energy.
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18 Articles
18 Articles
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Proceso
ProcesoYang Haiming did not stop working when he retired from coal mines at age 60. Instead, he launched himself into a new industry.
Coverage Details
Total News Sources18
Leaning Left8Leaning Right3Center3Last UpdatedBias Distribution57% Left
Bias Distribution
- 57% of the sources lean Left
57% Left
L 57%
C 22%
R 21%
Factuality
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