A once-abandoned mining area is now covered in greenery. [Photo/Inner Mongolia News Network]

North China's Inner Mongolia autonomous region, long regarded as China's "stabilizer" for energy and strategic resources, is home to abundant mineral reserves. Historically, thousands of mines were developed with little ecological oversight, leaving lasting environmental scars. Today, 398 green mines are scattered across the region, placing Inner Mongolia among the national leaders for sustainable mining.

During the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-25), the region restored 980 square kilometers of mined land, surpassing targets for abandoned mine reclamation. From soil coverage and replanting at Baotou's Bayan Obo Iron Mine to dust monitoring in Baoshan Mining's closed workshops, ecological improvements are now deeply integrated into mining operations.

People visit a treated mining area. [Photo/Inner Mongolia News Network]

To accelerate this transition, Inner Mongolia has issued regulations to strengthen green mining, establishing a development model led by the government, coordinated by departments, implemented by enterprises, and monitored by society. Thirteen regional departments have jointly developed support measures for green mines, while nine departments oversee the adherence of small mines to green standards. Nine industry-specific local standards have also been precisely implemented.

Policy support is comprehensive, encompassing financial innovations such as "Green Mine Governance Loans", tax incentives for resource efficiency, energy saving, and environmental protection, and targeted scientific funding that helps enterprises advance sustainable mining technologies.

A treated mining area in Inner Mongolia. [Photo/Inner Mongolia News Network]