Elspeth Thomson 
The Chinese Coal Industry [PDF ebook] 
An Economic History

The coal industry has been and continues to be of critical importance for China »s economic modernization. With its huge labour force, country-wide infrastructure, and vital strategic importance for the economy, the industry presents special problems for reformers, and epitomises the problems of reform in the state industrial sector as a whole. This book examines the changes in the structure and operation of the Chinese coal industry from the mid-19th century to the present, concentrating on the years of reform. Although the focus is on the economics of the industry, the book also provides many insights into China »s socio-political development.