Foreign mineral exploration enterprises are set to benefit from
a new scheme that will for the first time give them ready access to
geological information about China, such as maps, pictures and
other data.
Zhong Ziran, director general of China Geological Survey (CGS),
said the scheme would include the results of comprehensive
geological surveys up until the end of 2002, in 12 categories.
The move came in response to demands from domestic private
enterprises and foreign companies, which were previously granted
only limited access to such information if they were allowed to see
it at all.
"From now on, foreign and domestic individuals, enterprises and
institutions can all directly submit applications to the National
Geological Archives either in person or through the Internet for
the mineral resource information in which they are interested,"
Zhong told a conference on China's progress in conducting
geological surveys and mineral resources exploration, held in
Beijing.
Given specific latitude and longitude points, the archives
office will supply documents, data, pictures, maps and other
information permitted within State regulations.
The cost of the services will be limited to a modest
administration fee.
"The release of the information is a great step forward for
China to improve the transparency of its mining resources and
enhance the business environment," Zhong said.
"The information provided will greatly help investors lower
risks and avoid waste in costs."
John Leishman, geological consultant with CGA Mining Ltd of
Australia, said it was a "good move".
"Such information is important during the early stages of a
mineral resources investigation. This kind of information will give
us enough information to start identifying potential sites," he
said.
"The good move will make a difference on the global mineral
industry, and eventually benefit everybody."
In addition to the announcement, the seminar, part of China
Mining 2007, also presented an overall analysis of the nation's
mineral resources potential and prospects.
Progress in mineral exploration is being made in the Eastern
Tethys Copper Belt of the Himalayan Metallogenic Domain, where the
copper mineral potential is similar to that in the famous Andes
copper belt in South America.
Chen Renyi, deputy director of mineral resources assessment
department of CGS, said the mineral potential could exceed 50
million tons in the long run.
(China Daily November 15, 2007)