Guizhou introduces new regulations on mine ecological restoration

The Guizhou Mineral Resources Regulation will take effect on July 1, introducing comprehensive provisions for ecological restoration in mining areas. The new rules balance natural recovery and artificial intervention to promote sustainable development and environmental protection.

Under the new regulations, ecological restoration in mining areas must follow the principles of local adaptation, scientific planning, integrated governance, and rational use. Restoration efforts will include geological environment management, landform reshaping, vegetation recovery, and land reclamation, employing a range of engineering, technical, and biological measures.

Pollution control in mining zones must adhere to existing environmental laws and technical standards. County-level and higher governments must strengthen coordination and supervision, ensuring ecological restoration is effectively integrated with pollution prevention, soil and water conservation, and vegetation recovery to enhance overall environmental outcomes.

Mining rights holders must fulfill ecological restoration duties when their activities cause environmental degradation. These responsibilities persist even after mining rights expire. Those engaged in unauthorized mining or operating beyond approved boundaries must face legal consequences and bear the cost and responsibility of restoring damaged ecosystems.

The regulations strictly prohibit illegal mining under the guise of ecological restoration.

Mining operators must also strengthen geological disaster prevention. In accordance with relevant laws, they are required to conduct risk assessments, monitoring, and early warnings. Any signs of potential geological hazards, such as landslides, mudslides, collapses, ground subsidence, or surface cracks, must be reported promptly to local authorities.

Ecological restoration costs must be included in mining operation budgets. Mining companies are required to set aside dedicated funds for this purpose, per national guidelines, and using such funds is subject to strict oversight. Misappropriation or diversion of restoration funds is prohibited.

Local natural resources departments and fiscal authorities will supervise the extraction and use of restoration funds.

Local governments at the county level or above will take the lead in organizing restoration work for abandoned mines where responsible parties are untraceable or no longer exist. The regulations encourage social investment through independent ventures, public-private partnerships, and charitable involvement in restoring these legacy sites.

Restoration projects must undergo inspection and acceptance by local natural resources and ecological environment departments. Expert panels and representatives from affected communities will be involved in the review process, and the results must be made public. If a restoration project is carried out in phases, each phase must be inspected and approved accordingly.

These measures mark a significant step forward in Guizhou's efforts to balance resource development with ecological sustainability, reflecting a broader commitment to green development across the province.