Core Points - The Mineral Resources Law has been comprehensively revised to address new challenges in the mining sector and to promote sustainable development and ecological protection [1][11][17] Historical Context - The development of mining legislation in China began in the 1950s, with the introduction of the Interim Regulations on Mining, which encouraged private mining operations [2] - The 1986 Mineral Resources Law emphasized the protection and rational use of mineral resources, introducing legal norms across resource, ecology, and environment dimensions [3][4] - Subsequent reforms in the 1990s and 2000s focused on strengthening resource protection and establishing a legal framework for mining rights and responsibilities [4][5] Recent Developments - The new law reflects the principles of ecological civilization reform and aims to integrate market mechanisms with environmental protection [8][9] - It establishes a competitive bidding process for mining rights, moving away from administrative allocation to a market-oriented approach [13] - The law emphasizes the importance of protecting the rights of mining rights holders and introduces a "separation of rights" system to enhance legal clarity [15][14] Environmental Protection - The revised law promotes green mining practices and requires that mining activities minimize environmental impact [16] - It includes provisions for ecological restoration and mandates the use of advanced technologies to reduce ecological damage during mining operations [16] Implementation and Future Directions - The law aims to consolidate reform achievements and establish new behavioral norms for the mining industry [11][12] - It highlights the need for ongoing legislative efforts to adapt to evolving challenges in the mining sector and to support sustainable development goals [17]