North Korean coal officials tour Chinese mining firm amid modernization drive | NK News
NK News Logo
November 02, 2026Nov 02, 2026
NK News Logo

Get behind the headlines

Weapon Directory

News

North Korean coal officials tour Chinese mining firm amid modernization drive

Visit to smart-mining company suggests Pyongyang seeks China’s help after making coal industry a top priority
Veronica Hou November 2, 2026
Copy Icon COPY LINK Mastodon Icon MASTODON
North Korean coal officials tour Chinese mining firm amid modernization drive
Delegation from North Korea’s State Academy of Sciences and coal industry observing smart-mining technologies at Shaanxi Coal Meilianmei Smart Energy | Image: WeChat

A delegation from North Korea’s coal ministry toured a Chinese smart-mining technology company on Wednesday, suggesting Pyongyang is actively seeking China’s support to modernize its antiquated coal industry.

More than 20 experts and officials from the North Korea’s State Academy of Sciences and coal industry toured Shaanxi Coal Meilianmei Smart Energy to observe its smart-mining technology and discuss “digital transformation” in the energy sector, the company said in a social media post on Wednesday.

The DPRK delegation was led by Ri Chol Nam, director of the external economic affairs division at the Ministry of Coal Industry.

Shaanxi Coal Meilianmei is

© Korea Risk Group. All rights reserved.
No part of this content may be reproduced, distributed, or used for commercial purposes without prior written permission from Korea Risk Group.

Have follow-up questions? Ask NK PRO's Intelligence Suite to learn more.
What previous cooperation or technology transfers have occurred between China and North Korea in the coal and mining sectors?
This question is generated by AI and could contain mistakes.

Get the Daily Update & Podcast Updates

Start your day with
the North Korea stories that matter most –

as selected by

daily-brush-stroke

Never miss a beat. Try the new mobile app.

Recent Stories

Chinese agency claims it’s organizing youth tours to North Korea’s Wonsan resort
Chinese agency claims it’s organizing youth tours to North Korea’s Wonsan resort
Overseas North Korean workers linked to Russia’s military supply chain: Report
Overseas North Korean workers linked to Russia’s military supply chain: Report
US sanctions 10 North Korean and Russian nationals for role in IT worker fraud
US sanctions 10 North Korean and Russian nationals for role in IT worker fraud

About the Author

Veronica Hou

Veronica Hou is a China-DPRK specialist trainee at NK News. She previously conducted policy research and data analysis at the Trilateral Cooperation Secretariat.

View more articles by Veronica HouEMAILGot a news tip?Let us know!
© 2026, Korea Risk Group (NK Consulting Inc.). All Rights Reserved