CHINA says it will shut down at least 2000 small coal mines by the end of 2015 as it tries to improve safety standards in its deadly industry.

China's Cabinet says it will target mines with annual output of less than 90,000 tons, and those that fail to adhere to safety rules.

The statement late Saturday also said it will end approval for new coal mines with an annual capacity of less than 300,000 tons.

China's mines are the deadliest in the world. According to the official Xinhua News Agency, 1384 people were killed in coal mine accidents in 2012.

Safety improvements have reduced deaths in recent years, but regulations are often ignored and accidents are still common.

China has deep reserves of coal and 12,000 coal mines.