China's raw coal production hit a record high in the first five months of 2025, the highest level ever recorded for this period, according to the China National Coal Association.
From January to May, China's total raw coal production reached 1.99 billion tons, an increase of 110 million tons, up 6.0 percent year on year, data from the association showed.
As of mid-June, coal stockpiles at China's power plants reached around 210 million tons, a three million-ton increase from late May levels, providing a 35-day national supply ahead of peak summer demand.
China's raw coal output hits record high in first five months of 2025
At least 200 miners were killed after several mine shafts collapsed at coltan sites in Rubaya of the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, a spokesperson for the March 23 Movement rebel group confirmed on Friday.
Most of the victims were artisanal miners who were buried, the spokesperson said, adding that children and women were also among the dead.
The collapses occurred on Wednesday and Thursday at different coltan mines in Rubaya, an area controlled by the rebels since April 2024.
Coltan, or columbite-tantalite, is the main source of tantalum, a rare metal used in the production of advanced electronic devices. The United Nations estimated that the Rubaya mines alone account for about 15 percent of the global tantalum supply.
At least 200 killed in mine collapse in eastern DR Congo
