Guizhou, one of China's major coal-producing provinces, shut 183 mines last year in a bid to cut obsolete capacity.

Through closures, mergers and acquisitions, Guizhou has reduced its number of collieries in operation and under construction to less than 800 from 1,700 since 2013, said a spokesman with its energy administration.

It aims to close more than 80 others this year. Guizhou is the largest coal producer in southwestern China, with the country's fifth largest proven reserves.