How do iron and coal deposits support industry in Xuzhou?

Xuzhou serves as a significant mining district in northwestern Jiangsu, and its local mineral deposits are foundational to its industrial economy.1

The city is the center of a rich coalfield, with mines located in the immediate vicinity. This coal is a primary economic mainstay, directly supporting the generation of electric power and the manufacture of chemicals. Additionally, the presence of iron and coal deposits has facilitated the development of local ironworks and steelworks.12

Beyond these resource-based activities, Xuzhou’s industrial sector includes machine building, engineering, and the production of cotton textiles. Since the 1990s, the city has also diversified its industrial base toward higher-technology sectors, including the manufacturing of pharmaceuticals, electronics, and environmental-protection equipment.1