Major coal producers in China pushed for the government to reinstate limits on thermal coal output during an industry meeting on Tuesday, citing weakening demand and growing supply, two sources briefed on the gathering said.
It's not clear if a government representative was at the meeting, which took place at the China Coal Association headquarters in Beijing.
The central government may reimpose tough measures to cut output after the peak winter heating season ends.
The sources declined to be identified as they were not authorized to speak to the media.
If limits are reintroduced, it would represent the third major shift in policy by the government in the past year.
The government aims to move the world's largest energy market toward cleaner, renewable fuel sources, while ensuring utilities have enough fuel.
Executives from top miners China Coal Energy Co and China Shenhua Energy Co were among the attendees, sources said.
The companies and the Coal Association did not immediately respond to requests for comment.