China's Ministry of Land and Resources will from December 1 require local authorities in the country to survey public opinion with regard to mining plans in order to reduce disputes, according to a regulation issued by the ministry on Tuesday, November 27.
The new regulation has five chapters containing 45 stipulations, detailing what information should be included in mining plans and stressing the protection of people's interests and of the surrounding environment.
A spokesperson for China’s Ministry of Land and Resources said disputes caused by mining and exploration have been increasing over past years, adding that the regulation will help guarantee the interests of people living near mines. Mining plans will have to be released to the public and public hearings wil be held in the event of controversial plants, the spokesman stated.