BEIJING - China's workplace safety authorities on Saturday required tougher standards on reopening coal mines in production suspension in the wake of a deadly coal mine accident.

Some coal mines were ordered to suspend production due to safety problems, but they illegally resumed production without tackling the safety problems, said a notice by the production safety committee under the State Council, or the cabinet.

The coal mines which have failed to meet the safety standards should not be reopened and those who abuse their power to lower overhaul standards would be punished, the notice said.

A deadly coal mine accident occurred on Saturday at the Xiangshui Coal Mine in Panxian county of the coal-rich Liupanshui city, Guizhou province, killing 18 people, injuring five and trapping another five after a gas and coal outburst.