Great Wall of China damaged by illegal coal mining

A six-meter-wide section of the Great Wall of China in the Guojiayao area of Ningwu County, Shanxi Province, has been destroyed due to nearly two decades of illegal coal mining activities. According to reports from CCTV, the damage began in 2007 when Ningwu Chaokai Coal Industry, an unlicensed mining operation, excavated a trench through the Ming Dynasty structure to create a shortcut for transporting mining waste and avoiding difficult mountain terrain.

In 2013, the practice continued under Shenda Chaokai Coal Industry following a merger of mining teams. Despite local reports and complaints filed as early as 2015, authorities failed to take action, despite a 2006 regulation mandating the immediate protection of the monument. The issue only gained significant attention following media coverage.

In response to the public pressure, the Shanxi provincial government established a special commission in March 2026 to investigate the illegal mining and the deterioration of cultural heritage. Investigations resulted in a fine of one million yuan for the responsible company and the detention of two high-ranking officials.