On March 20, Huzhou City in Zhejiang Province issued the “Norms for Green Mine Construction” (hereinafter referred to as the “Norms”), marking the release and implementation of China’s first local standard for green mine construction.

　　The “Standard” clearly defines the basic requirements for green mine construction, as well as the requirements related to resources and the environment, enterprise management, certification, and supervision. According to the “Standard,” a green mine is one that, throughout the entire mineral resource development process, not only strictly implements scientific and orderly mining practices but also keeps disturbances to the mine area and its surrounding environment within environmentally acceptable limits, thereby achieving a harmonious balance between mineral resource exploitation and ecological conservation. Such mines are characterized by scientific mining methods, efficient resource utilization, environmentally friendly production processes, ecologically sound mine environments, and harmonious relationships between enterprises and local communities.

　　The “Standards” stipulate that, in terms of resource utilization, the recovery rate of mineral resources in green mines must not be lower than the targets specified in the mineral resource development and utilization plan; the comprehensive utilization rate must reach over 95%; and the disposal rate of solid waste must attain 100%. The mining area shall be equipped with a runoff interception and drainage system, and surface runoff water, after sedimentation treatment, must meet discharge standards. Production wastewater shall be recycled to achieve zero discharge. Regarding environmental protection and ecological restoration, mine dust emissions must comply with standards, with dust concentrations no higher than 1 milligram per cubic meter. Atmospheric environmental conditions in the mining area, as well as noise emissions from the mining area and its surrounding boundaries, must meet relevant national standards. The mining areas—including extraction zones, processing zones, transportation systems, office areas, residential areas, and docks—shall be thoroughly cleaned, greened, and beautified, with a greening coverage rate exceeding 80% of the area eligible for greening. Upon closure and acceptance of the mine, the slope stabilization rate must reach 100%.

　　It is reported that in recent years, Huzhou City has been actively exploring new approaches to coordinate mineral development with environmental protection, promoting green mine construction across the entire region, with a completion rate of 84% for green mines.