On 16 April 2023, environmental volunteer Zhang Wenbin was commissioned by the Chinese environmental NGO, Friends of Nature, to conduct research on alleged pollution by Xiegou Coal Mine in Xingxian County, Luliang, Shanxi Province. During a research trip to the region, Zhang took photos and videos showing the environmental impacts of the mine. After being seen by people in the factory, he was asked to delete the photos and videos. Later, he was beaten up by an unknown individual and his vehicle was smashed.

Xishan Jinxing Energy Limited Liability Company (西山晋兴能源有限责任公司)'s Xiegou Coal Mine is a subsidiary of Shanxi Coking Coal Energy Group (山西焦煤集团).