Core Viewpoint - The Henan Provincial Department of Natural Resources has issued detailed implementation rules to enhance ecological restoration incentives while strictly regulating the use of stone and soil materials, aiming to prevent illegal mining under the guise of restoration [1][2]. Group 1: Project Approval and Regulation - The new rules establish a negative list for project approval, prohibiting the packaging of construction, mineral resource development, and coalfield fire hazard management as ecological restoration projects [1]. - Existing mining land intended for development will not have restoration projects set up and must follow construction project approval procedures [1]. - Projects involving the sale of sand and gravel must comply with regulations for construction projects [1]. Group 2: Utilization of Stone and Soil Materials - The rules impose strict constraints on excavation activities, stating that no new excavations are allowed in restoration areas, and existing pits cannot be deepened [1]. - Any necessary slope reduction must be evaluated by qualified geological disaster prevention units [1]. - Remaining stone and soil materials must undergo asset evaluation and government pricing before being publicly sold, with all proceeds going to the treasury [1]. Group 3: Approval and Incentive Measures - The rules eliminate the need for separate soil and stone utilization plans for restoration projects, integrating these into the ecological restoration plan [2]. - Restoration plans involving the sale of stone materials must be reviewed by local natural resource departments and approved by county-level governments [2]. - The rules encourage the use of mining solid waste for soil improvement and allow for the re-establishment of mining rights for eligible abandoned mines [2]. Group 4: Accountability and Oversight - A three-tiered regulatory system is established to address illegal mining and improper disposal of stone materials, with measures including rectification orders and criminal liability [2]. - The rules promote the establishment of integrity archives and the implementation of credit penalties for violations [2].

Core Insights - The ecological restoration case of the abandoned mining area in San Guankou, Jingyuan County, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, has been successfully selected as one of the second batch of typical cases for national mining area ecological restoration, exemplifying the implementation of the concept "Lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets" [1] Group 1: Ecological Restoration Efforts - The San Guankou area was a major production zone for building materials in Ningxia and surrounding regions, with significant restoration efforts initiated in 2017 under the "Green Shield 2017" campaign, involving an investment of 120 million yuan [1] - A total of 33 lime kilns, 6 stone material factories, and 2 cement plants were shut down, with 22,395 square meters of structures demolished and a remediation area of 138.51 hectares [1] - The restoration process integrated a comprehensive governance approach, including shutdown and withdrawal, landform reshaping, scientific re-greening, water system activation, and long-term management [1] Group 2: Environmental and Economic Impact - The restoration efforts led to the planting of 160,000 trees, including oil pines, willows, and sea buckthorns, along with over 20 types of grass species, effectively curbing geological disasters and soil erosion [1] - The ecological restoration has significantly improved the green coverage of the abandoned mining area and air quality, with the water quality of the Xie River segment stabilizing above Class II standards [2] - Local residents have shifted from relying on mining jobs to diversified income sources from green industries, with thriving developments in cattle farming, traditional Chinese medicine cultivation, and mushroom production in surrounding villages [2]

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the ecological restoration efforts undertaken by the Hebei Geological Bureau's Second Geological Team, showcasing their successful transformation from mineral exploration to ecological civilization construction, with significant achievements in both land and marine environments [3][4][6]. Group 1: Mountain Restoration - The Second Geological Team has successfully restored over 500 mining sites since 2015, covering an area of more than 100,000 acres, and has added 6,603 acres of arable land, resulting in an annual reduction of carbon emissions by 24,300 tons and direct economic benefits exceeding 1.6 billion yuan [6]. - Innovative techniques such as "spray concrete floating platforms" and "hanging soil troughs" have been developed to address steep slopes and land degradation issues in mining areas [4][5]. - The team has implemented an "EPC" governance model for mining restoration, integrating government leadership, policy support, and social participation, which has been promoted across the province [5][6]. Group 2: Land Improvement - The team has completed 184 land improvement project designs since 2010, covering an area of 200,000 acres and adding over 20,000 acres of arable land [9]. - They have developed new technologies for soil quality improvement, water conservation, and crop yield enhancement, addressing previous limitations in land restoration techniques [8][9]. - The team has also engaged in urban development projects, conducting over 100 industrial site investigations and creating a comprehensive geological survey methodology for various types of contaminated sites [9]. Group 3: Marine Restoration - The Second Geological Team is responsible for the ecological restoration of the largest contiguous seagrass bed in China, which has faced degradation due to climate change and unsustainable fishing practices [10][11]. - The restoration project employs a combination of natural recovery and artificial intervention methods, including substrate restoration, transplantation, and seeding [11][12]. - The project has successfully protected and restored 638.47 hectares of seagrass bed, increasing biodiversity with the number of benthic species rising from 60 to 111, and the biodiversity index improving by 42.3% [13][14].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the ecological restoration project in Tieshan Port District, Beihai City, Guangxi, focusing on transforming abandoned mining sites into productive agricultural land and shrimp farming areas. Group 1: Project Overview - The ecological restoration project is commissioned by the local natural resources department and involves the restoration of 31 historical abandoned mining sites, with 22 sites requiring remediation over an area of 54 square kilometers, aiming for a total restoration area of 58 square kilometers [2]. Group 2: Restoration Techniques - The project employs various engineering measures such as slope reduction, slope surface restoration, foot support, drainage ditches, vegetation re-greening, and monitoring to eliminate geological disaster risks in the exposed and damaged areas [2]. - For areas intended to be restored as arable land, techniques include drainage ditches, land leveling, soil enrichment, and planting crops like corn and cassava, utilizing nearby seawater to support the development of specialty agriculture [2]. Group 3: Results and Impact - Over 120 acres of the restored area have been converted into seawater shrimp farming ponds, while some reclaimed farmland has been planted with crops, transforming the former "ecological scars" into "wealthy ponds and fields" [2][3].

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the sustainable development approach taken by Pucheng County in Shaanxi Province, focusing on ecological restoration of mining areas while integrating rural revitalization and green development. Group 1: Ecological Restoration Efforts - Pucheng County has implemented a comprehensive ecological restoration strategy, repairing 240 sites, increasing arable land by 76.78 hectares, and adding 214.2 hectares of forest and 246.6 hectares of grassland [1] - A thorough investigation identified over 260 mining sites needing restoration, leading to the establishment of detailed ecological environment archives [2] - Specific measures for different mining conditions include slope reduction, wall construction, and water drainage systems to mitigate geological hazards [3] Group 2: Financial and Regulatory Framework - The county has allocated approximately 196.86 million yuan for ecological restoration projects, integrating various agricultural and environmental funds [2] - Pucheng County emphasizes the responsibility of mining companies to contribute to ecological restoration funds, ensuring adequate financial resources for projects [2] Group 3: Integration with Economic Development - The ecological restoration efforts have been linked with local economic activities, promoting the cultivation of medicinal herbs and economic crops, thus transforming the local economy [4] - The improved ecological environment has attracted community engagement in recreational activities, enhancing the quality of life for residents [4] Group 4: Governance and Community Involvement - A comprehensive regulatory mechanism has been established to oversee the entire process of ecological restoration, ensuring compliance with design and construction standards [5] - The county has fostered a collaborative governance model that combines community participation, legal frameworks, and ecological restoration efforts [6]