China has made public the Provisions on the Management of Qualification of Geological Prospectors on Monday, in effort to step up control over the qualification of the country's geological prospectors.

Premier Wen Jiabao signed a decree on Saturday for the issuance of the statute, which goes into force in July.

It is aimed to safeguard and maintain order in the market of geological prospection, to ensure the quality of the prospection and promote the development of the business, according to the statute. It is composed of six parts regarding issues ranging from application, approval and supervision to responsibilities.

According to the statute, the land resources administration department of the State Council, China's Cabinet, is responsible for approving the qualifications of geological prospectors. These involved investigation in the areas of sea and ocean, petroleum and gas, aerial survey and other A-class prospections.

Provincial departments in charge of land resources have the right to approve lower-level prospectors.

Authorities in charge of the approval of geological prospectors must set up files to record the experience, achievements, reputation, official appraisals, public complaints and law-breaking activities of the prospectors.

Prospectors are not allowed to do things beyond their qualifications or make false reports on their work. They must also not lend their qualification to others.

Officials who abuse their power to issue qualifications to unqualified institutions will be held responsible and punished in accordance with the law.

(Xinhua News Agency March 11, 2008)