The website of the Ministry of Natural Resources recently released a letter announcing the initiation of research on the “three-rate” indicators for the rational exploration and utilization of mineral resources such as coalbed methane. The study will focus on determining minimum “three-rate” benchmarks for seven mineral types—coalbed methane, oil shale, silver, zircon, wollastonite, diatomaceous earth, and salt mines—in 2018. This research aims to further refine the indicator system, scientifically assess the level of mineral resource exploration and utilization, and promote the conservation and efficient use of mineral resources by mining enterprises.

Among these, the research on the “three rates” indicators for coalbed methane is led by the Shanxi Provincial Department of Natural Resources and Land, while the research on the “three rates” indicators for oil shale is conducted by the Ministry’s Oil and Gas Center. The research on the “three rates” indicators for silver and zirconium is undertaken by the China Nonferrous Metals Industry Association, and the research on the “three rates” indicators for wollastonite and diatomaceous earth is carried out by the China Non-Metallic Mineral Industry Association. The research on the “three rates” indicators for salt mines is led by the China Chemical Mining Association. The General Office of the Ministry of Natural Resources has requested that, based on the survey results, opinions be solicited from mining enterprises regarding the applicability, feasibility, and operability of these indicators.

Strengthening the supervision of the rational development and utilization of mineral resources hinges on objectively and accurately evaluating the effectiveness of resource utilization. Establishing a scientific and rational indicator system is the foundation for this effort. In 2015, the former Ministry of Land and Resources issued the "Technical Indicators and Calculation Methods for Comprehensive Utilization of Mineral Resources," standardizing and unifying the "three rates"—mineral extraction recovery rate, ore dressing recovery rate, and comprehensive utilization rate—as industry evaluation indicators. Furthermore, the ministry has begun studying specific standards for the "three rates" of key minerals, which will serve as binding "red lines" guiding mining enterprises in their development and utilization of mineral resources.

As of May 2016, China had completed the formulation of minimum target indicators for the “three rates” of 27 mineral resources, and had preliminarily established an evaluation indicator system for the conservation and comprehensive utilization of major mineral resources, thereby achieving objective evaluation and standardized management of mineral resource conservation and comprehensive utilization. It is understood that, in accordance with the principle of full coverage of key mineral types, during the 13th Five-Year Plan period, the Ministry of Natural Resources will successively study and develop “three-rate” indicators for 25 additional mineral types. Furthermore, for those mineral types already covered by published “three-rate” indicators and meeting the relevant conditions, efforts will be made to upgrade their standards to industry or national standards. □ (Li Hongyuan)