Third round of mineral resources planning and preparation started

Recently, the Ministry of Land and Resources announced the "Circular on Launching the Third Round of Mineral Resources Planning." With approval from the State Council, China has officially begun preparing for the third phase of its national mineral resources strategy. This initiative marks a significant step in ensuring long-term resource security and sustainable development. The notice highlights the critical importance of this new planning cycle. As the country moves forward, it's essential to anticipate future needs, make comprehensive arrangements, and enhance the exploration, development, protection, and efficient use of mineral resources. It also emphasizes the need for stronger international collaboration in the mining sector to boost resource availability and support economic growth. In addition, with the push for ecological civilization, there is an urgent need to reform how resources are used and managed, aligning with broader environmental goals. The planning process must be driven by innovation and reform, aiming to redefine the relationship between government and market. It should promote more efficient governance, foster a dynamic mining industry, and ensure that planning plays a central role in improving national resource management systems. This new phase also underscores the responsibility of land and resource departments to protect natural resources, encourage sustainable use, and safeguard public interests. Key principles outlined in the notice include enhancing resource support capabilities, changing utilization methods, and promoting innovation. The plan will focus on balancing resource development with conservation, increasing efficiency, and prioritizing strategic planning for exploration, development, protection, and international cooperation. These efforts aim to provide clear guidance and a strong foundation for future resource management. At the national level, the focus is on strategic direction and policy formulation, considering both domestic and global resource markets. Provincial plans will emphasize coordination and regional adaptation, while city and county-level plans will ensure effective implementation of targets and spatial layouts. Each level of planning will contribute to a cohesive and actionable national strategy. To support this, the notice calls for thorough preparatory work, including detailed assessments of current resource conditions, optimized layout planning, and improved access standards. It also stresses the importance of building a robust planning database and refining technical guidelines. Timelines have been set for the completion of various planning stages, with provinces required to submit their plans by mid-2024, complete syllabi by 2025, and finalize all levels of planning by the end of 2026. The third round of planning covers the period from 2025 to 2030, with the goal of ensuring a stable and sustainable supply of critical resources for years to come.