Public opinion to be sought on mining plans

China's land watchdog will require local authorities to survey public opinion in regards to their mining plans to reduce disputes from Dec 1, according to a regulation released on Tuesday.

The regulation has five chapters including 45 stipulations, elaborating what information should be included in the mining plan and emphasizing the protection of people's interests and the nearby environment.

Yao Yichuan, deputy director of the Department of Policy and Legislation of the Ministry of Land and Resources, said the disputes caused by mining and exploration have been increasing over the years and the regulation will help guarantee the interests of the people near the mines.

"The regulation states that mining plans should be released to the public and in cases of controversial plans, public hearings shall be held," Yao said.

According to the regulation, local land management authorities will submit to the ministry the progress the mining plan has made in the previous year, before Jan 31 the following year.