The Department of Geological Exploration of the Ministry of Natural Resources, in collaboration with the China Institute for Land and Resource Economics, recently organized a seminar on the management of geological exploration qualifications and credentials of the Ministry of Natural Resources in Yinchuan.

　　It is understood that the meeting covered two main topics: “Acceptance and Review of Geological Exploration Qualifications” and “Supervision and Management of Geological Exploration Qualifications.” Participants exchanged views and discussed how to strengthen the management of geological exploration qualifications in the context of China’s ongoing reform of the administrative approval system. Specific topics included: First, geological exploration qualifications will be subject to real-time acceptance and review in accordance with the requirements of the “Administrative Licensing Law of the People’s Republic of China”; second, the draft “Measures for the Disclosure and Supervision of Geological Exploration Unit Qualifications” was thoroughly discussed, aiming to meet the demands of qualification-supervised entities, establish a comprehensive social supervision platform, and uphold fairness and justice in the industry; third, provinces (and autonomous regions) including Liaoning, Jiangsu, Shandong, Yunnan, and Xinjiang shared their experiences in implementing a multi-level regulatory coordination mechanism at the municipal and county levels, leveraging technologies such as integrated exploration area monitoring and guidance, annual inspections of prospecting rights, cleanup and rectification of mining rights, project management, and filing and registration procedures to carry out qualification supervision and inspection through multiple channels and by using various methods.

　　It is reported that since the promulgation of the "Regulations on the Administration of Geological Exploration Qualifications," the management of geological exploration qualifications nationwide has gradually become more standardized. Currently, nearly 2,600 entities across the country have obtained geological exploration qualification certificates and have emerged as pioneers in China's geological exploration sector. However, at the same time, a small number of geological exploration units still face numerous problems in their qualification applications and daily operations—for instance, falsifying application materials, failing to carry out work in accordance with the requirements set forth in the "Regulations on the Scope of Business for Geological Exploration Activities Conducted by Geological Exploration Units," and engaging in practices such as exceeding the scope of their qualifications or conducting exploration activities beyond their designated level.

　　The meeting emphasized that geological exploration qualifications serve as the entry permit for geological survey units to engage in geological exploration work and as a credit credential for participating in market competition. They play a vitally important role in standardizing and maintaining order in the geological exploration market. Moving forward, the review and acceptance process for geological exploration qualifications must continue to refine the qualification management mechanism, guide geological survey units toward honest and trustworthy operations, and promote self-discipline and integrity within the geological exploration industry.

　　It is understood that more than 50 experts from the Exploration Department, the Institute of Economic Research, the Information Center, the Administrative Service Hall, and the land and resources authorities of all 31 provinces (autonomous regions and municipalities) across the country—those engaged in the management and research of geological exploration qualifications—participated in the meeting.