Four people from a coal company in Ningwu county, North China's Shanxi province, have been placed under criminal compulsory measures on suspicion of illegal mining and damaging cultural relics, after an investigation into media reports of the destruction of sections of the Ming Great Wall, local authorities said on Wednesday.

The four individuals are linked to Shenda Chaokai Coal Industry, a local mining company that has been ordered to suspend operations and undergo rectification, according to a notice released by the county authorities.

According to the notice, the case will be transferred to prosecutors for review and prosecution after further evidence is collected and finalized.

Disciplinary and supervisory authorities are also investigating officials from regulatory departments over suspected negligence and failure to properly perform their duties.

Local authorities pledged to accelerate the investigation, thoroughly examine the case in line with legal procedures, and ensure that accountability, punishment, and corrective measures are fully implemented.

The case drew public attention after a domestic media report alleged that the mining company had for years engaged in mining beyond the permitted boundary, illegal dumping of mining waste, and the unauthorized excavation of transport routes, causing severe damage to sections of the Ming Great Wall in Ningwu county.

The report said parts of the wall collapsed or were cut through, resulting in irreversible destruction to the cultural relic site.

Hu Qing contributed to this story.