Abstract: Mineral resources are the material foundation for human development, and mineral products are major commodities in international trade. The mining industry is both an ancient and a young foundational sector. , Throughout history, the Chinese nation has created a splendid mining civilization and mining culture, exemplified by ceramic culture, bronze ware culture, and iron-smelting culture. It is precisely this mining civilization that has propelled the development of China’s ancient economy and made mining culture an integral part of China’s outstanding traditional cultural heritage, enabling Chinese civilization to remain at the forefront of global civilizations. Today, mineral resources continue to serve as the energy (power) and raw material backbone for China’s economic and social development. Moreover, China has become the world’s largest producer, consumer, and trader of mineral products, playing a pivotal role in the global mining industry’s development. In the new context of building a community with a shared future for the global mining sector, China should innovate its approach and model for mining development, contributing more Chinese strength and offering more Chinese solutions to the recovery and growth of the global mining industry, and providing greater Chinese wisdom for the advancement of both mining civilization and ecological civilization worldwide. To achieve these goals, we must first grasp the pulse of mining development and accurately identify the emerging signs, new trends, and distinctive features of this evolving sector.

　　In recent years, influenced by uncertainties and instabilities in the global economic development, the momentum of global demand for mineral products has continued to weaken, and the global mining landscape has shown a downward trend. The market for mineral products is increasingly characterized by an oversupply situation, capital markets are facing difficulties, mining investments are on the decline, and resource prices have been experiencing sharp fluctuations. China’s mining sector has also been unable to remain unaffected: in addition to falling prices for most mineral products and a decline in mining output value, profit margins for mining development have significantly narrowed. Moreover, social capital’s enthusiasm for investing in geological exploration has waned, leading to a reduction in investment in mineral exploration.

　　We see that from 2016 Starting from the second half of the year, the total market capitalization of global mining companies has rebounded for five consecutive quarters. The mining activity index has largely moved away from its period of sluggish fluctuations and is now stabilizing after bottoming out. However, the global economy has yet to emerge from its suboptimal and weak-growth adjustment phase; economic globalization is facing headwinds, and prices of key mineral commodities remain persistently low. Thus, the path to a full recovery of the global mining sector still has a long way to go.

　　Does this indicate that the mining industry has truly reached its limits and become a sunset industry?

　　We believe the answer is no.

　　The reasons are as follows:

　　From a global perspective, the construction of infrastructure connectivity is gaining momentum worldwide, and industrialization and urbanization are advancing in stages across the globe. The reindustrialization and manufacturing upgrading of advanced economies—especially as the global economy recovers, and particularly with the accelerated pace of industrialization and urbanization in emerging economies such as ASEAN and India—are further unleashing robust demand for mineral resources. This will continue to boost demand for traditional mining industries, enabling the global mining sector to potentially reverse its downward trend and re-enter an upward trajectory.

　　From a domestic perspective, China is currently in the mid-to-late stages of industrialization, and although the level of urbanization has overall surpassed... 50% However, if calculated based on the registered population, it is only 35% Right. During this stage, large-scale infrastructure development will be required, all of which rely on energy minerals and mineral raw materials for support. For quite some time to come, demand for bulk mineral products will remain at a high level. Moreover, there continues to be substantial demand for potash and phosphate minerals consumed in the production of agricultural fertilizers, fossil minerals used in energy production, and small- and trace-element minerals used in pharmaceutical manufacturing—minerals that cannot be recycled and thus must continue to be sourced from the mining industry. Even after industrialization is complete, sustaining the normal operation of a country with such a massive economy will still require enormous quantities of both energy minerals and mineral resources used as raw materials. The foundation of China’s mining industry will remain firmly established.

　　However, it must be recognized that, in order to achieve rapid economic growth and break free from the predicament of being constantly at the mercy of others, our country for a period of time had no choice but to adopt an extensive, compressed development path—rapidly accomplishing in just a few decades what other nations had taken hundreds of years to achieve. As a result, China has become the world’s second-largest economy, creating an astonishing miracle and laying the material foundation for the dream of becoming a strong nation. Yet at the same time, this approach has also led to... “ Resource constraints are tightening, environmental pollution is severe, and ecosystems are degrading. ” the grim situation. Since the 18th National Congress of the Party, the Party Central Committee has drawn up a grand blueprint for realizing the Chinese Dream and proposed the coordinated promotion of... “ The Four Comprehensive Strategies ” Strategic layout, “ Five-in-one ” Overall planning and adherence to the five development concepts are essential. Under these circumstances, China’s mining industry as a whole is large but not strong, and the traditional development model has become unsustainable. Building an innovation-driven mining sector is the only path for China’s mining industry to transform from big to strong.

　　In fact, in recent years—especially since China’s economy has entered a “new normal”—China’s mining industry has begun to show some new signs, new trends, and new characteristics. These emerging changes have the potential to evolve into the future direction of mining development.

　　Faced with a complex and intricate economic landscape, we must draw lessons from history, adapt foreign practices to our own needs, and summarize the successful experiences in mining development. In the face of new opportunities presented by the新一轮科技革命 and industrial transformation, we must accelerate innovation in mining theories, institutions, technologies, and equipment, injecting new momentum into the development of the mining industry. As mining development exhibits new trends and characteristics, we must place even greater reliance on innovation-driven growth and actively explore new approaches and models for revitalizing the mining sector.

　　Trend 1: Mining regulations and policies are being or will be adjusted and revised.

　　Since the 18th National Congress, we have been shifting our growth model and advancing supply-side structural reform. “ Three reductions, one lowering, and one supplementation ” Efforts will be stepped up to strengthen the construction of nature reserves and establish a national park system, and clear requirements have been set forth for the transformation and upgrading of the mining industry.

　　From the perspective of mineral resource management, the state has intensified its efforts to streamline administration and delegate power in the mining sector, combine deregulation with regulation, and optimize service delivery. This approach fully leverages the decisive role of the market in resource allocation while enhancing the government’s role. The number of administrative approval items that have been canceled or delegated to lower levels has reached— 56% Non-administrative licensing items have been completely abolished. More than ten administrative regulations and departmental rules governing geological and mineral resource management have been revised and improved, and work has been initiated to revise the “Mineral Resources Law.” In... 6 Provinces (and autonomous regions) have launched pilot programs to reform the system for granting mining rights, exploring the implementation of competitive bidding for such rights. We are advancing reforms of the oil and gas system, fully leveraging the role of the market in competitive segments—including oil and gas exploration and extraction, production and processing, and product pricing—to enhance resource allocation efficiency. We are also carrying out reforms of the mineral resource rights fee system, establishing a new framework for mineral resource rights fees that comprises revenues from the transfer of mining rights, fees for the occupation of mining rights, and funds for the restoration and management of mine geological environments.

　　Taking the cancellation of non-administrative licensing items as an example, in accordance with the provisions of the State Council’s “Negative List for Market Access” and the new arrangements outlined in the “Reform Plan for the Transfer of Mineral Rights.” 2018 After the Chinese New Year, the following areas in the exploration and mining of mineral resources remain subject to restrictions: approval and registration of mining rights, approval and registration of prospecting rights, qualification requirements for shale gas exploration and production, filing and approval of mineral resource reserve evaluations and reserve registrations, conditions for oil and natural gas exploration and development, restrictions on exploration of rare earth minerals, new applications for registration of rare earth and tungsten mining operations, certification of qualifications for gold mining, and uranium mining. This means that as long as your company has the necessary documentation and technology, it can obtain a prospecting right—specifically, a first-class risk exploration right—through a prior application process. 9 Moon 29 On [date], the State Council issued the “Decision on Cancelling a Batch of Administrative Licensing Items,” formally abolishing the qualification requirements for geological exploration. , From 2018 Starting this year, with the exception of shale gas, oil and gas, and rare earths, no qualification requirements will apply to exploration activities for other mineral types. The primary mineral resource management functions of the land and resources authorities will shift their focus to: “ Establish industry standards and regulations, strengthen supervision during and after the event, punish illegal and non-compliant activities, and safeguard market order. ”

　　Trend 2: The structure of geological work will undergo profound changes.

　　Based on the global mineral resource situation and the changing supply-and-demand dynamics of China’s mineral resources, coupled with the need to advance supply-side structural reform and reduce excess capacity, it has become imperative for China to restructure its geological work and adjust its industrial structure.

　　From the perspective of the mineral exploration market, on the one hand, China’s economy has a large base, and its rigid demand for energy and resources will remain unchanged—both now and in the future. “ Normal condition ” On the other hand, as China’s proven reserves of conventional mineral resources continue to grow—particularly given the global market’s oversupply of mineral products and the pronounced downward trend in mineral prices—China will be able to secure the necessary bulk mineral supplies from the world market. Consequently, both national and social capital investments in the exploration of conventional mineral resources are bound to decline.

　　Meanwhile, building a Beautiful China calls for us to vigorously promote green development, circular development, and low-carbon development. This, in turn, places new demands on geological work. These changes and requirements include: reform of the natural resource management system, which necessitates intensified comprehensive surveys, information integration, and carrying capacity assessments of a wider range of natural resources; the development of a new type of urbanization—especially the scientific exploration and utilization of urban underground spaces—calling for greater investment in urban geology and the construction of three-dimensional spatial information systems; poverty alleviation efforts, which require enhanced exploration of groundwater, geological hazards, land quality, mineral resources, and geological environments in impoverished regions; ensuring energy and resource security, which demands increased exploration for clean energy sources and strategic emerging minerals; and building a strong maritime nation, which requires expanded marine geological research; furthermore, ecological civilization construction calls for strengthened geological potential assessments, techno-economic evaluations, and environmental impact assessments in areas with concentrated resources. These demands will drive significant and profound transformations in geological work.

　　Geological survey work is also undergoing profound transformation. At this year’s symposium on scientific and technological innovation convened by the China Geological Survey, Director Zhong Ziran keenly sensed that... “ The geological sector or geological work is witnessing some new changes, emerging trends, and even historic transformations. ”：

　　First, geological surveys are aligning with actual needs and are shifting from a broad-based approach to a more precise, targeted service—especially in response to major demands. For instance, the geological surveys conducted for poverty alleviation efforts and for the Xiong’an New Area serve as excellent examples.

　　Second, geological surveys are shifting from single-discipline investigations to comprehensive ones. For example, in the urban geological survey of the Xiong’an New Area, a single approach can no longer suffice; instead, it is necessary to conduct investigations from multiple perspectives—including resources, environment, hazards, and spatial factors—employing diverse, integrated, and synergistically coordinated methods.

　　Third, resource geological surveys are shifting from solely assessing resource potential and prospective prospects to a comprehensive evaluation that integrates geological potential, development conditions, and environmental impacts. For example, in the pilot extraction of natural gas hydrates and shale gas exploration, a holistic assessment must be conducted across multiple aspects, including resources, geology, environment, and extraction methodologies.

　　Fourth, hydrogeological and environmental geological surveys are shifting toward integrated assessments of resource, environmental, and ecological spaces, as well as multi-factor integration.

　　Fifth, basic geological surveys should shift toward or return to comprehensive investigations of the fundamental geological units—such as rock-stratigraphic structures—that influence resource and environmental issues, as well as their interrelationships.

　　Sixth, the way geological findings are communicated is shifting from a format that only geologists—such as geological reports and geological maps—can understand to one that is accessible and comprehensible to the general public. For example, providing concrete solutions. This includes initiatives like the Xiong’an New Area, the Capital Sub-center in Tongzhou, Beijing; the Yangtze River Economic Belt; and the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region. “ The Belt and Road ” The ways of showcasing achievements in the Greater Bay Area and other regions have already broken through previous conventions, and the degree of integration and diversity they now embody is unprecedented.

　　Trend 3: Efficient and clean utilization of coal will become the direction of China's energy revolution.

　　At present, as many cities in China are experiencing smog and declining air quality, numerous people—including public opinion—have directly focused their criticism on coal, raising the following points: “ Decarbonization ” This claim is a subjective speculation that fails to understand China’s energy resources.

　　In fact, China’s energy resource structure has a noteworthy characteristic that cannot be overlooked: “ Rich in coal, poor in oil, and scarce in gas (natural gas). ” Coal accounts for [a certain percentage] of China's primary energy production. 70% The above—this pattern is unlikely to undergo any fundamental change for quite some time to come.

　　Coal’s foundational role in China’s energy system determines its leading role in China’s energy revolution: The direction of China’s energy revolution is not... “ De-coal ” , but rather “ Clean coal ” This refers to the clean and efficient utilization of coal. The future direction for coal development is to achieve highly efficient, clean utilization and sustainable growth—minimizing the social impacts of coal mining and use. This should be the guiding principle for China’s energy development in the years ahead. For example, in China, ethylene used to be produced using petroleum as a feedstock; now, however, it can be produced... “ Coal-to-oil ” , in fact “ Coal replaces oil ” It involves using coal to produce ethylene. Currently, approximately... have already been built nationwide. 18 Coal-to-olefins plant, annual production capacity 1000 Ten thousand tons of ethylene.

　　Trend Four: Green development will become the most fundamental requirement for mines.

　　Green development is both a necessary condition for sustainable development and an important manifestation of the people’s pursuit of a better life. Upholding green development, using resource conservation to advance ecological civilization, and fostering harmonious coexistence between humans and nature have always been the primary battleground for land and resources work.

　　2017 Year 5 Moon , The Ministry of Natural Resources, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Environmental Protection, the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine, the China Banking Regulatory Commission, and the China Securities Regulatory Commission jointly issued the "Implementation Opinions on Accelerating the Construction of Green Mines." , Fully promote the construction of green mines.

　　The Implementation Opinions clearly define three major construction goals for green mine development. :

　　First, a new pattern for green mine development has been basically established. All newly built mines now meet the requirements for green mine development. , Production mines are accelerating their transformation and upgrading. , Achieve standards step by step. Establish a model of green mines led by technology and driven by innovation, setting an example for thousands of enterprises. , Implement 100 Demonstration Green Exploration Projects , Construction 50 More than one green mining development demonstration zone , Develop a group of new models, new mechanisms, and new systems that are replicable and scalable.

　　Second, explore new pathways for transforming the approach to mineral resource development. Uphold the coordination between shifting development models and maintaining stable growth. , Explore new models for industrial development that promote resource conservation, intensive use, and circular utilization, as well as new pathways for economic growth in the mining sector. , Promote China's mining industry to achieve medium-to-high-speed growth. , Moving toward the mid-to-high-end level.

　　Third, establish a new mechanism for the development of green mining. Study and establish a promotion system for green mine construction that features joint creation at the national, provincial, municipal, and county levels; enterprise-led construction; third-party assessments; and social oversight. , Improve the standard system for green exploration and green mine construction. , Improve the supporting incentive policy system. , Establish a long-term mechanism for the development of green mining.

　　Trend 5: Strategic minerals will become the backbone of emerging strategic industries.

　　The current emergence and rise of a new industrial revolution, coupled with the rapid development of high-tech industries and strategic emerging industries, will accelerate the shift from old to new growth drivers, boost consumption of emerging materials and minerals, and unlock new potential for the revitalization of the mining sector. According to research by relevant experts, in recent years, most developed countries—including the European Union and the United States—have formulated strategic mineral lists that align with their own interests and development needs; without exception, these lists include: “ Three rare ” Mineral and non-metallic mineral resources. For example, as early as... 2010 Year, the European Commission is studying globally. 46 Based on the mineral resources, will... 14 The minerals have been identified as critical mineral raw materials, among which... 9 The major minerals primarily sourced from China include antimony, fluorite, germanium, graphite, rare earth elements, tungsten, gallium, indium, and magnesium. The U.S. RAND Corporation has also... 2013 In the same year, the report “Critical and Strategic Minerals Threatening U.S. Manufacturing” was released, also identifying 14 The most critical strategic mineral raw materials that are in highest demand are defined as strategically critical minerals that are difficult to obtain; among these are: 11 The major sources are from China, including rare earths, tungsten, germanium, graphite, fluorite, antimony, indium, barite, vanadium, gallium, and magnesium.

　　In our country, 2016 Year 11 Month, the “National Mineral Resources Plan” approved by the State Council 2016-2020 year)》first time to 24 Mineral resources are included in the strategic mineral catalog. This... 24 The mineral resources include: energy minerals—oil, natural gas, shale gas, coal, coalbed methane, and uranium; metallic minerals—iron, chromium, copper, aluminum, gold, nickel, tungsten, tin, molybdenum, antimony, cobalt, lithium, rare earth elements, and zirconium; and non-metallic minerals—phosphate, potash, crystalline graphite, and fluorite.

　　The market for strategic mineral raw materials is vast. Take the development of the new-energy vehicle industry as an example: It is understood that once the U.S. Tesla electric vehicle plant is fully operational, its annual demand for graphite alone could exceed— 10 10,000 tons. According to China’s development plan for new-energy vehicles, by... 2025 This year, the number of new energy vehicles in circulation is estimated to reach 3262 Ten thousand vehicles, share: 9.9% Based on this, the forecast is that by... 2025 In [year], the demand for several strategic minerals by China's new-energy vehicle power sources was as follows: lithium carbonate. 41-57 Ten thousand tons, equivalent to 2016 Annual national consumption of 6.6 Twice; cobalt is 4.1–9.84 Ten thousand tons, equivalent to 2016 Annual national consumption of 157% ; Nickel is 6.3–7.1 Ten thousand tons, equivalent to 2016 Annual national consumption of 6.9% ; The graphite we're familiar with 32.8 Ten thousand tons, equivalent to 2016 Annual national graphite consumption of 53.4% 。

　　Meanwhile, as... “ Made in China 2025” With the continuous advancement of strategic implementation, structural adjustments in the manufacturing sector, and product upgrades and replacements, the demand for strategic mineral raw materials—such as lithium, rare earths, cobalt, vanadium, and titanium—from strategic emerging industries will only continue to grow. Clearly, the market for strategic minerals in the future cannot be underestimated.

　　Trend 6: The pace of digitalization and intelligentization in mining will accelerate.

　　The accelerated advancement of scientific and technological innovation, coupled with the cross-integration of new technologies such as big data, the internet, and remote sensing with the mining industry, as well as the research, development, and application of digital and intelligent technologies and equipment, are giving rise to increasingly robust new drivers for the mining sector. This is opening up new frontiers for the transformation and upgrading of the mining industry and paving the way for innovative development—namely, the digitalization and intelligentization of mine extraction.

　　Digital and intelligent mining refers to a mining approach centered on digital, intelligent, and automated mining equipment, supported by a high-speed, high-capacity, bidirectional integrated digital communication network, and underpinned by intelligent design and production management software systems. By conducting real-time, dynamic, and intelligent monitoring and control of mining production objects and processes, this approach aims to maximize the safety, efficiency, economy, and overall economic benefits of mining operations. The significance of digital and intelligent mining lies primarily in leveraging advanced modern technologies to upgrade traditional industries, thereby driving China’s mining sector toward safer, more efficient, economically viable, environmentally friendly, and sustainable development. This also enhances the core competitiveness of China’s mining industry—a goal that ultimately underpins the advancement of digital and intelligent mines.

　　Developed mining countries have made significant progress in building digital and intelligent mines, such as Sweden's... Sandvik (Sandvik) Company, Atlas Copco Companies such as Atlas Copco have not only developed mining equipment with automation or intelligent features, but have also created a variety of technological and equipment systems for smart mines, such as: AotoMine System, OptiMine System and MineLan System.

　　Many mines in China are gradually shifting from shallow-mining operations to deep-mining operations. This shift is driven by factors such as the resource endowment conditions of underground mines, mining technologies, and production processes.