The State Council has officially promulgated the "Regulations on the Implementation of the Mineral Resources Law of the People's Republic of China," effective from 2026 year, 5 month, 20 day. These regulations further standardize mineral resource exploration and mining activities, promote rational development and utilization and protection of mineral resources, and safeguard national mineral resource security.

Legislative Background

Mineral resources are a critical material foundation for national economic and social development. As China's economy transitions to high-quality development, the exploration and utilization of mineral resources face new challenges and responsibilities. To further improve the legal framework governing mineral resources, strengthen their protection, and promote sustainable development in the mining sector, the State Council has enacted this Implementation Regulation.

Core Content

I. Mineral Resource Exploration Management

Regulations establish a licensing system for mineral resource exploration. Exploration entities must obtain an exploration license in accordance with the law. Exploration activities shall comply with the mineral resources plan and adhere to laws and regulations on environmental protection, work safety, and other relevant areas. The use of advanced technologies and equipment is encouraged to improve exploration efficiency and enhance the discovery rate of resources.

II. Management of Mineral Resource Extraction

Mineral resource extraction must be conducted under a mining license, strictly adhering to the specified mineral types, scope, scale, and duration. Unauthorized mining, boundary violations, and destructive practices are prohibited. Mining companies are encouraged to adopt green extraction technologies to enhance comprehensive resource utilization.

III. Protection of Mineral Resources

The State implements a mineral resource protection system and mandates protective mining for key mineral resources. A mineral resource reserve system is established to strategically stockpile critical minerals. Supervision and inspection of mineral resource exploration, development, and utilization are strengthened to prevent resource waste and environmental damage.

IV. Mining Rights Management

Mineral rights include exploration rights and mining rights, which are acquired through paid procedures as prescribed by law. These rights may be granted via bidding, auction, or public listing. Rights holders must fulfill their legal obligations, including timely payment of mineral resource grant fees and mineral resources compensation fees.

5. Ecological Environmental Protection

Mineral resource exploration and mining shall adhere to the principles of ecological priority and green development, and strictly implement the environmental impact assessment system. Mining enterprises must fulfill their obligations for geological environmental protection and land reclamation in mines, ensuring simultaneous mining, governance, and restoration.

VI. Supervision and Management

The competent department of natural resources is responsible for the supervision and administration of mineral resource exploration and mining, and shall establish and improve a system of inspection and supervision. Illegal or irregular acts shall be investigated and dealt with in accordance with the law; if they constitute a crime, criminal responsibility shall be pursued in accordance with the law.

Policy Significance

This regulation plays a vital role in standardizing mineral exploration and mining practices, promoting the rational development and utilization of mineral resources, protecting the ecological environment, and safeguarding national mineral security. It provides clearer legal guidance for mining enterprises and establishes a solid foundation for regulatory enforcement.

Corporate Response

Mining enterprises should thoroughly study the regulations and conduct exploration and mining activities in compliance with the law. Strengthen technological innovation to improve comprehensive resource utilization. Fulfill social responsibilities by advancing environmental protection and ecological restoration. Actively participate in green mine construction to achieve a unified balance of economic, social, and ecological benefits.

This Ordinance shall take effect on 2026/5/20. The "Implementation Rules of the Mineral Resources Law of the People's Republic of China" promulgated by the State Council on 1994/3/26 shall be repealed simultaneously.