The Chinese Ministry of Natural Resources has now published the formal list of qualifying operations as part of the central government's 'Green Mine Construction Plan'. The plan is aimed at incentivising mining enterprises to improve their resource utilization efficiency, protect the environment and harmonize their relationship with communities. 

A 'green mine' designation generally allows for a more favourable treatment from different levels of government, including in relation to priority rights to mining resources, improved land security for mine construction, and finance and tax support.

The certificate is given to mines that minimise adverse impacts on the environment and adopt scientific design and measures to ensure sustainable development from mine development to closure.

Assessments evaluate an operation's safety record, compliance with licenses and regulations, efficiency of operations and energy use, stakeholder relationships, environmental impact and managerial structure. 

Every mine included in the national list of green mines is subject to ongoing supervision and random site audits by provincial regulators. Mines that do not satisfy the requirements are removed from the national list and are closed.

Griffin Mining added that the Hebei Province governement declared in 2020 that all non-green mines in its provincial area will be shut down from the beginning of 2021.