BEIJING, Aug. 20 -- China's mining, petrochemical, coal and fireworks companies are encouraged to use more robots and automatic equipment to do dangerous jobs to reduce safety incidents.

Ten companies including Shaanxi Coal and Chemical Industry Group, Shoulan Mining and Dancing Fireworks Group have been selected to pilot the program, the State Administration of Work Safety (SAWS) said Thursday.

These companies will use robots and machinery to replace workers and improve production processes while reducing occupational injuries.

They are asked to set up task forces led by company executives and share good experience with peers.

Coal mine accidents alone in China claimed 931 lives last year, data from the SAWS showed.