It is reported that central China's Hunan province has strengthened its efforts in local mines' consolidation and has reaped desirable outcomes. The regrouping of the key 40 mining areas covering coal, antimony and phosphor has completed in the first six months of this year, and the number of local mines has decreased to 6,019 from 7,312 in 2005.

    As per report, Hunan will fully complete the consolidation of a total of 116 mining areas covering 11 minerals including tungsten, lead, zinc and graphite etc by the end of the year. And the total local mines will be reduced to 5,500 by then.

    Local government also invited strategic investors to join in the consolidation. It's learned that Hunan Nonferrous Metals Holding Group has acquired 14 mines at Xintianling, Beihu district of Chenzhou and West Mining has acquired 19 mines at the tin mining area of Xianghualing, Linwu County.

    Hunan Westralian Mining Co Ltd purchased 8 mines at the gold field of Guanzhuang, Ruanling County and Hunan Chenzhou Mining Group has acquired 4 mines at the gold antimony mining area of Longshan, Xinshao County.