Revision of mineral law urged

China should revise its Mineral and Resource Law to regulate mining practices and eliminate speculation, An Dong, chief justice of the Higher People's Court of Shaanxi province, said on Monday.

"Inappropriate mining practices are rampant nowadays, resulting in a great waste of resources as well as severe environmental pollution," said An, who is also a deputy to the National People's Congress.

Disputes over mining exploration licenses have led to kidnappings, murders, and other serious crimes, An said.

Lack of order in the market has also encouraged speculation, which has made mineral prices volatile, he added.

China's Mineral and Resource Law was passed in 1986 and revised in 1996. "Its regulations may be outdated today," An said.