The company tapped Ying Chengping to the seat of chief engineer in coal geology and exploration. A 25-year veteran of the mining community, he was responsibly for the development of more than 30 coalfield exploration reports while serving with the Northeast Bureau of Coalfield Geology.

Also appointed was Song Yuzhu, who will serve as its director and chief engineer in mining operation. He has 25 years of industry experience under his belt as well, specialising in coal mine design and operation.

Before joining Kiu Hung he served in engineering management at the Huolinhe Bureau of Mines.

Lastly, the organisation’s new chief engineer of pit exploitation will be Fan Weikang. With more than 40 years steeped in the mining industry, Fan was involved with mine safety investigation committees and coal mine productivity evaluations in the mining areas of Handan, Xiangtan and Babaoshan.

Kiu Hung’s chairman Joseph Hui said, “We are very pleased to welcome Messrs Ying, Song and Fan for joining the management team of the coal business of our group. We believe the extensive experience of these three experts will definitely accelerate the speedy development of our coal and energy business, strengthen the execution capability for our coal business and contribute to our group's new business development.”

The publicly held company diversified into the natural resources and energy sectors this year, having obtained concessions for coal mine exploration in China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region that is estimated to hold 106 million tonnes.