BEIJING, April 21-- China's work safety watchdog says state-owned coal mines should see a return on the 50-billion yuan, or 6 billion dollar investment in safety in three years.

A lack of money for safety has been the major reason for frequent, deadly coal mine accidents in China.

Some coal mines are using equipment that's more than 70 years old.

Li Yizhong is the minister of China's State Administration of Work Safety.

"What is the way out? It should be strengthening investment in science and technology and management in eliminating potential risks," Li said.

The central government has spent three-billion yuan this year on preventing gas explosions in coalmines.

Li Yizhong says although the investment is small comparing with the total debt of 50 billion, it will hopefully encourage mine operators to improve work safety.

He says coalmines themselves should be the major investors for safety.

New rules state that mines are required to put aside two yuan to 15 yuan, or nearly 2 dollars, for safety measures per ton of coal produced.

China's state-owned coalmines produce 1.4 billion tons of coal a year.

Li Zhizhong say if they save 10 yuan for safety funding for each ton, they will raise 14 billion yuan a year.

He says investment from the central and local government will help pay off debts.

"But the premise is new coalmines no longer make new potential risks. And we are confident that the old mines will pay off their dues," according to Li.

(Source: CRIENGLISH.com)