Highlights of Guizhou's landmark mineral resources regulation

The Standing Committee of the 14th Guizhou Provincial People's Congress has passed the Regulation on Mineral Resources of Guizhou Province, marking a significant legislative milestone. As the first provincial-level supporting regulation following China's newly enacted national Mineral Resources Law, the regulation will take effect on July 1.

Crafted through a combination of legal expertise and practical experience, the regulation aims to provide a robust legal framework for the scientific development, efficient use, and green growth of Guizhou's rich mineral resources.

Its adoption represents a major step forward in modernizing the province's mineral resource governance system and enhancing its administrative capacity.

Strategic vision and timely response

The regulation reflects a clear understanding of both national strategies and local development needs. Guizhou's mineral resources stand out for three key reasons:

Diverse resource types: The province has discovered 137 types of minerals, accounting for 79.19 percent of all known mineral types in China.

Abundant reserves: Among these, 106 minerals have verified reserves, with 13 – such as phosphate rock and barite – ranking first in the country.

Favorable geography: Key mineral deposits are located along major transport corridors and the Wujiang River basin, offering natural advantages for large-scale development.

Over the past decade, the mining sector has consistently contributed around 45 percent to Guizhou's GDP, solidifying its role as a pillar of the provincial economy. With growing demand for sustainable and high-quality resource development, this regulation is expected to ensure the effective and lawful exploitation of Guizhou's mineral wealth.