RE: MZ trying to list something In China! In my opinion, based on the single bit of evidence and the knowledge that a Chinese listing has been in the cards since he spoke of it back in 2011, it seems he is applying to list the Shanxi Puda Coal group which is comprised (at last check) of 12 subsidiary mining operations. (not sure exactly how many mines at any one point in time)
This would be all his mining assets that are under that holding company. I know he has other related interests, such as equipment sales, and transportation companies, but those were not associated with Shanxi Puda Coal at the time Puda Inc was it's funding source.
As to how far along he is, it's hard to say with so little to go on. It could be all Zhao "speak" or there could be a active file started on a IPO.