Hami Prefecture, an important coal base in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region that plays a key role in supplying coal to East China , last year produced 12.76 million tons of coal, 56.5% more year on year, and sold 11.08 million tons, 6.09 million tons of which were sold outside the district.

Hami Prefecture has an estimated 570 billion tons of coal reserves, 12.5% of China's total. Currently, there are over 30 companies exploring the area for coal. These include Huadian Power International Corp, Huaneng Power International Inc, Shandong Luneng Group Corp Ltd and Ming Kei Holdings Ltd.

Reportedly, coal production capacity in Hami Prefecture has reached 32 million tons. Coal production in the prefecture could reach 32 million tons this year and 197 million tons in 2013 in part because there are 8 projects in progress that will add 42.5 million tons of production capacity within three years.