The Ministry of Natural Resources convened a meeting on mineral resource management and the advancement of the new round of strategic initiatives for breakthroughs in mineral exploration, calling for all possible efforts to discover large, high-quality, and urgently needed mineral deposits.

On March 14, the Ministry of Natural Resources convened a meeting on mineral resource management and the advancement of the new round of the Strategic Action for Mineral Exploration Breakthroughs. The meeting reviewed and summarized the work of 2023, analyzed the current situation facing mineral resource management and geological exploration, and outlined plans for key tasks in 2024. Wang Guanghua, Secretary of the Party Group and Minister of the Ministry, attended the meeting and delivered a speech. Xu Dachun, Member of the Party Group and Vice Minister, chaired the meeting, while Li Jinfa, Member of the Party Group and Director of the China Geological Survey, also attended.

Wang Guanghua pointed out that improving the mineral resources management system and implementing a new round of strategic actions to achieve breakthroughs in mineral exploration are concrete steps to thoroughly implement General Secretary Xi Jinping’s important instructions and directives on safeguarding national energy and resource security, as well as the spirit of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China. These efforts also constitute a key strategic task for upholding the new development philosophy, fostering a new development paradigm, and promoting high-quality development. It is essential to accurately assess the current situation and integrate mineral resources management and geological exploration into the broader framework of the nation’s overall development strategy. Mineral exploration bears on the overarching goal of national energy and resource security and must therefore be given the highest priority and pursued with unwavering commitment. In 2024, in accordance with the arrangements set forth at the Central Economic Work Conference and the Two Sessions, we will continue to refine mineral resources management, press ahead with the new round of strategic actions to break new ground in mineral exploration, and spare no effort to discover large, high‑quality, and urgently needed deposits—thereby building momentum and providing robust support for developing new drivers of productivity and ensuring the energy and resource supply needed to advance Chinese‑style modernization. To this end: first, we will further deepen reforms in mineral resources management and establish long‑term mechanisms to foster a thriving mining sector; second, we will persist in carrying out the new round of strategic actions to achieve breakthroughs in mineral exploration, striving to fully accomplish the objectives and tasks outlined in the 14th Five‑Year Plan; third, we will comprehensively promote green exploration and green mine construction, using high‑level environmental protection to underpin high‑quality development; fourth, we will vigorously strengthen scientific and technological innovation and talent cultivation, nurturing new sources of productive forces in the mining industry; and fifth, we will proactively assume responsibility, enhance overall coordination, and ensure the effective implementation of all priority tasks.

Officials from the China Geological Survey, China Minmetals Corporation, the China Mining Association, as well as the natural resources departments of Henan, Guangxi, Xinjiang, and other provinces and autonomous regions, delivered remarks.

The meeting was held via video conference. Attending were Chinese Academy of Sciences Academicians Hou Zengqian and Deng Jun, Chinese Academy of Engineering Academician Mao Jingwen, representatives from relevant departments and bureaus of the National Development and Reform Commission, the Ministry of Science and Technology, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, and the Ministry of Finance, provincial-level natural resources authorities, as well as representatives from relevant petroleum and mining enterprises, the China Mining Association, geological exploration institutions, the National Forestry and Grassland Administration, the China Geological Survey, the Discipline Inspection and Supervision Group of the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection and the National Supervisory Commission stationed at the Ministry of Natural Resources, and responsible officials from relevant departments and bureaus within the Ministry.