The State Council, China's cabinet, has approved a program for an emergency national coal reserve, which will build up five million tons of coal this year, according to a source from the China Coal Industry Association.

The coal reserve will ensure the supply for power firms in case a major natural disaster or accident disrupts the coal supply.

Ten major coal mining companies, including Shenhua Group Corp. Ltd. and China National Coal Group Corp., have been selected to build storage facilities for coal across the country, while eight major coal shipping ports, including Qinhuangdao Port, Zhoushan Port, Guangzhou Port, Wuhan Port and Zhuhai Port will also be involved in the program.

China's business press carried the story above on Monday. China.org.cn has not checked the stories and does not vouch for their accuracy.