Recently, the Ministry of Natural Resources issued the "Several Opinions on Improving the Operating Mechanism for Geological Prospecting and Achieving Major Breakthroughs in Mineral Exploration" (hereinafter referred to as the "Opinions"), which clearly stipulates the improvement of the revenue-sharing system for geological prospecting. Geological exploration units may, in accordance with relevant national regulations, contribute their knowledge, technology, management, and other factors in the form of equity participation in geological prospecting venture investments and share in the profits derived from successful mineral discoveries.

　　The “Opinions” point out that geological prospecting efforts should fully leverage market mechanisms, encourage various social investors to participate in mineral exploration, assume exploration risks, and reap the benefits of successful discoveries, while adhering to the principle of... “ Whoever invests, whoever benefits. ” the principle of effectively safeguarding the legitimate rights and interests of mining right holders.

　　The "Opinions" stipulate that geological exploration units undertaking state-funded exploration projects and successfully identifying large- and medium-sized mineral deposits shall share the rights to the geological exploration results in accordance with the provisions of the project contracts, and shall also reward individuals who have made outstanding contributions. Enterprises engaged in mineral exploration are encouraged to establish, in compliance with relevant regulations, a system of pre-established stock option awards for personnel who have made significant achievements in geological prospecting.

　　The "Opinions" emphasize the need to strengthen the review of exploration plans and contract management, rigorously examine the exploration implementation plans submitted by prospecting right holders, and urge these holders to fulfill their contractual obligations in accordance with the law. Any instances of “grabbing land without exploration” or illegal transfer of rights shall be investigated and dealt with strictly according to law. We should explore and promote quality supervision of geological exploration that is aligned with the requirements of the market economy, fully leverage the role of industry associations and academic societies in the oversight of geological exploration quality, advance the establishment of a registered geologist system, explore the development of a responsibility mechanism that combines individual accountability with institutional accountability, and enhance self-regulation within the industry.

　　The “Opinions” clearly state that management of projects funded by the national treasury should be strengthened, project implementation status should be promptly inspected, and information—including project progress, work quality, use of funds, and details of the undertaking entities—should be made public in accordance with relevant regulations to accept social oversight. A geological prospecting information statistics system should be established to regularly compile and summarize work progress and achievements, and to report on geological prospecting activities as required by relevant regulations.

　　The “Opinions” propose to coordinate and integrate the nationwide deployment of geological exploration efforts, strictly implement mineral resource plans and geological exploration plans, and strengthen the guiding and regulatory role of these plans in geological exploration activities by adhering to the layouts, timelines, and priorities specified therein. We will also coordinate the allocation of central and local financial resources, accelerate the advancement of public-interest geological surveys, guide commercial mineral exploration, and promote various geological exploration initiatives in an orderly manner.

　　The “Opinions” emphasize the promotion of integrated exploration for mineral resources. Adjustments to integrated exploration zones (including the establishment of new zones, adjustments to their scope, and withdrawal from existing zones) shall be determined through consultation between the provincial-level departments of natural resources and the Mineral Exploration Office of the Ministry of Natural Resources, based on the progress of work. Such adjustments must comply with the mineral resource planning, geological exploration planning, and functional zone planning, and should be incorporated into the overall national deployment for geological prospecting.