Core Insights - Inner Mongolia has ordered 15 coal mines to cease operations due to exceeding approved output limits, reflecting efforts to manage production capacity in the coal industry [1][2] - The directive follows inspections by the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region Energy Bureau aimed at addressing overcapacity issues [1][2] Group 1: Regulatory Actions - The 15 mines in Ordos exceeded their authorized capacity by more than 10% in the first half of 2025 [2] - Affected mines must halt production and can only resume after passing safety inspections by regional regulators, although the timing of these inspections is unspecified [2] Group 2: National Oversight - In July, China initiated inspections in key coal-producing areas, instructing local authorities to report on mines exceeding production limits for 2024 and H1 2025 [3] - The National Energy Administration (NEA) is involved in these inspections and is part of the National Development and Reform Commission, which is establishing a coal production reserve system by 2027 [4] Group 3: Market Impact - The regulatory actions have led to increased market speculation and a surge in coking coal prices, with the most active coal contract on the Dalian Commodity Exchange rising nearly 8% to 1,048.5 yuan ($146.19) per tonne, the highest since March [4]