The TLP mine, LME, LMW and HPG mines in the Ying mining district, Henan province, as well as the GC operation in Guangdong province have all earned the green achievement after a six-day on-site inspection and assessment in October 2020 by a third-party group designated by the Henan Province Department of Natural Resources.

Final certification, it noted, would be given by the Ministry of Natural Resources of China.

Silvercorp's SGX and HZG mines received the designation in November 2015.

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, Silvercorp said.

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.