BEIJING — China's mines have improved workplace safety and reported fewer accidents in the first 11 months of 2021, according to the National Mine Safety Administration.

There were 336 mine accidents in the January-November period, a decrease of 59 cases compared with the same period last year, said Zhao Yuhui, a spokesperson with the administration.

But Zhao warned of potential safety issues looming in December, noting a number of risks.

For instance, he said, some mines tend to sacrifice production safety for output as the year-end nears and the prices of mineral products remain high.

The spokesperson pledged efforts to prevent illegal production activities, ensure the safe supply of coal and curb the frequent occurrence of mine accidents around the year-end.