(NBD) Sept. 5 -- The Shenmu-Weinan coal pipeline, China's first coal pipeline, is about to be completed and will be the longest coal pipeline in Asia. 

The 727-kilometer-long coal pipeline will connect coal resources in northern Shaanxi in central China with water resources in the Guanzhong Plain of the central Shaanxi, with the annual coal output of 10 million tons. As of 25th August, 716 kilometers of the pipeline have been finished, accounting for 98% of the total. 

With a total investment of 7.3 billion yuan (1.1 billion U.S. dollars) from China Shaanxi Coal and Chemical Industry Group, the project will feature a total earning power of 12.48% as well as low ton-kilometer cost. 

The coal can be piped without raising dust and scattering. An analyst from the coal industry said that the operation and maintenance cost of pipeline equipments is still high, but pipeline transportation is much more environmentally-friendly than railway.

Email: zhanglingxiao@nbd.com.cn