The number of people who died after accidents in Chinese coal mines dropped to 1,049 last year.

The death toll is down 24% from 2012 according to statistics released by authorities over the weekend. In 2012 there were 1,384 deaths and in 2011 that figure was 1,973.

Officials said this showed safety in coal mining continues to “steadily improve”.

There are an estimated 18,557 coal mines in China and 2011 statistics showed the country has the world’s third largest proven coal reserves, according to the World Coal Association.