China to continue mineral resource sector integration

(chinadaily.com.cn)
Updated: 2009-10-27 18:13

China will start a new round of integration and consolidation in the mineral resources sector, according to an announcement posted today on the website of the Ministry of Land and Resources (MLR).

The consolidation will focus on mines that produce at least one of 15 different minerals, including coal, iron, manganese, copper, aluminum, lead, zinc, molybdenum, gold, tungsten, tin, antinomy, rare earth, phosphorus, sylvite and other minerals, which have a large influence on economic and social development.

It will be jointly led by 12 organizations, including the MLR, National Development and Reform Commission and the Ministry of Public Security with the goal of strengthening the mineral exploration sector by updating outdated mining methods and technology, and improving management, safety, and environmental standards.

Since the government began working to integrate the industry more than three years ago, it has found approximately 140,000 cases of unlicensed exploration, 11,000 cases of exploration beyond the officially designated areas, and 2,800 cases of illegally transferring mining rights. The government also closed 11,000 coal mines and 48,000 other mines because they were either operating without a license, had polluted the environment, or did not meet safety requirements.

This round of integration is scheduled to be finished by the end of 2010.