China Releases New Mineral Resources Catalogue Covering 174 Mineral Species
en.Wedoany.com Reported - On October 12, with the approval of the State Council, the Ministry of Natural Resources, together with the National Development and Reform Commission, released the Mineral Resources Catalogue, which classifies mineral resources into four major categories—energy minerals, metallic minerals, non-metallic minerals, and water and gas minerals—comprising a total of 174 mineral species and 119 mineral sub-species. This adjustment continues to use the original mineral resources classification framework and, in accordance with the needs of mineral resources exploration, development, and management, modifies and supplements certain mineral species and sub-species.
The new catalogue was prepared on the basis of the original Detailed Classification of Mineral Resources, retaining the original four-category classification system, with adjustments mainly involving the specific setup of mineral species and sub-species. The catalogue will be used for mineral resources planning, mining rights management, management of exploration and extraction activities, collection of mineral resources taxes and fees, and the formulation of related industrial policies.
Article 3 of the Regulations on the Implementation of the Mineral Resources Law of the People's Republic of China, effective June 15, 2026, stipulates that the determination and adjustment of the mineral resources catalogue shall be proposed by the competent department of natural resources under the State Council together with the development and reform department under the State Council, and promulgated after approval by the State Council. The catalogue includes mineral resources species and classification. The release of this catalogue followed the State Council approval procedure in accordance with these provisions.
This catalogue adjustment is based on the original mineral resources classification system and maintains continuity in mineral resources management. The Ministry of Natural Resources will subsequently advance the alignment of the new catalogue with mineral resources planning, mining rights approval, and other management work, and will study and formulate standards and documents related to the submission and approval of new mineral species, which will be publicly released once completed.
