Guizhou launches three-year campaign to improve mining rights use

Guizhou province has launched a three-year campaign to tackle inefficient use of mining rights, aiming to improve mineral resource development, regulate mining rights management, and turn resource advantages into economic growth.

The government recently issued a plan targeting four major problems: exploration rights holders who fail to conduct meaningful work, mining rights holders who leave mines idle or suspend operations for extended periods, rights holders who fail to sign required mining rights transfer contracts, and those who fail to pay mining rights transfer proceeds in full and on time.

At the provincial level, the campaign will focus on coal, phosphate, aluminum, gold, and manganese. Municipal and county governments will address issues involving key local minerals within their registration authority.

The Guizhou Provincial Department of Natural Resources will work with other departments to compile records of problematic mining rights and submit them to municipal governments for verification and proposed actions. Authorities will assess progress quarterly to strengthen coordination and oversight.

Depending on the circumstances, measures may include requiring rectification by a deadline, refusing renewal, public cancellation, or handling contractual obligations. The campaign will also improve approval services, address legacy issues, and use digital monitoring to identify and resolve problems early.