Premier Li Keqiang (3rd R) talks with groud duty staff on phone in the Guandi mine of Xishan Coal Electricity Group Co. Ltd, in North China's Shanxi province, Jan 5, 2016. [Photo/Chinanews Service]

The call took place during the premier's visit to the Guandi Coal Mine in Taiyuan, Shanxi province. After hanging up the phone, Li told the workers that safety is paramount in mining jobs. He also extended New Year's greetings to everyone at the scene.

Li spent two hours inside the mine, which was founded in 1960 and now has about 5,900 workers. He inspected mine production safety and talked with the workers, learning about their living and working conditions.