Core Points - The new Mineral Resources Law (referred to as "New Mineral Law") emphasizes the importance of geological surveys in mineral resource exploration, extraction, and protection, establishing a legal basis for geological survey work [2][3][4] - The New Mineral Law mandates the establishment of a comprehensive geological survey system, addressing existing gaps in institutional frameworks and providing legal support for stable investment and regular updates of geological survey data [3][6] - The law specifies the responsibilities of various government levels in organizing and implementing geological surveys, enhancing the role of local governments in conducting foundational geological investigations [4][5] Summary by Sections Geological Survey Importance - The New Mineral Law recognizes the foundational role of geological surveys in providing essential geological data for mineral resource activities, marking a significant legal acknowledgment of geological survey work [2] - It encourages the integration of geological surveys throughout the entire lifecycle of mineral resource exploration, extraction, and protection, highlighting its critical role in promoting high-quality development in the mining sector [2][3] Institutional Framework - The law calls for the establishment of a robust geological survey system, addressing the need for systematic research and legislative support for geological survey practices [3][6] - It aims to resolve key issues related to the responsibilities of geological survey institutions, qualification requirements, and quality management of survey results [3][6] Implementation and Oversight - The New Mineral Law outlines the organization of foundational geological surveys, specifying that local natural resource departments will collaborate with relevant agencies to conduct these surveys [4] - It elevates the management of geological data submission and oversight to a legal requirement, enhancing the regulatory framework for geological data handling [5] - The law also emphasizes the need for improved training and oversight mechanisms at local levels to ensure compliance with geological data management standards [5][6]

Core Viewpoint - The newly revised Mineral Resources Law (referred to as "New Mineral Law") emphasizes the importance of geological surveys and establishes a legal framework to enhance geological investigation, which is crucial for mineral resource exploration, extraction, and protection [1][2][3]. Summary by Relevant Sections Geological Survey Position and Role - The New Mineral Law explicitly recognizes the foundational role of geological surveys in mineral resource exploration, extraction, and protection, marking the first legal acknowledgment of this in national legislation [2]. - The law encourages various initiatives related to geological surveys, including exploration rights allocation, comprehensive resource utilization, ecological restoration, and international cooperation in the mineral sector [2]. Establishment of Geological Survey System - The New Mineral Law mandates the establishment of a comprehensive geological survey system, addressing existing gaps in institutional frameworks and providing legal support for ongoing geological investigations [3]. - It emphasizes the need for systematic research on geological survey concepts and the establishment of clear responsibilities, qualifications, and quality management for geological survey institutions [3]. Content and Implementation of Basic Geological Surveys - The law delineates the responsibilities of local governments in organizing basic geological surveys, expanding the scope of geological investigations beyond previous regulations [4]. - It specifies that provincial-level authorities will oversee strategic mineral resource evaluations, ensuring coordinated efforts across administrative regions [4]. Geological Data Management and Supervision - The New Mineral Law elevates the management of geological data to a legal requirement, mandating timely submission and protection of geological data from exploration and extraction activities [5][6]. - It decentralizes the supervision of geological data submission to county-level authorities, enhancing the effectiveness of data management and compliance [6]. Future Directions for Geological Survey Work - The law sets higher expectations for geological survey work, including the development of core institutional frameworks and the enhancement of survey quality [7]. - It calls for a collaborative approach between central and local authorities to streamline geological survey efforts and improve the overall efficiency of mineral resource management [7].