After major coal mine closure, most workers re-employed in other fields

Li Fujun, a former coal mine worker, now operates a water purifier store.

As one of China's top-producing coal regions, Shanxi province has had the arduous task of reduce coal mining in the nationwide campaign to cut overcapacity.

Finding jobs for laid-off workers was a serious issue. In 2016, 25 coal mines were closed in Shanxi, reducing 23.25 million tons of overcapacity. As a result, however, 21,013 workers became unemployed.

Geng Shijie opened a vegetable store in 2015 after he left a coal mine.

Soon after, the province shifted its focus to relocating laid-off laborers, and the current employment outlook is remarkably positive, with over 99 percent of those workers already re-employed.

Data shows that by the end of 2016, a total of 20,937 laborers had been relocated. The methods of relocation vary, but include internal arrangements within enterprises, job transfers and startups, early retirement schemes and the creation of public welfare posts. Some workers have happily accepted their new roles as restaurant owners, yoga teachers, bookstore owners and more.