North China's Inner Mongolia autonomous region will intensify ecological protection and restoration efforts during the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026–30), with a major push to accelerate green mine development.

By the end of the period, 90 percent of large-scale mines and 80 percent of medium-sized mines across the region are expected to meet green mine standards.

Six national demonstration projects will be launched to restore ecosystems at historically abandoned mining sites in Baotou, Ulaanqab, Alshaa League, and other areas.

Meanwhile, systematic ecological treatment will be carried out for mines operated by China Energy Investment Corporation Co in the region and within a 10-kilometer radius of the surrounding zones.

Efforts will focus on improving regulatory frameworks, strengthening supervision of mine rehabilitation, consolidating gains in restoring abandoned mines, and accelerating the implementation of major ecological projects.

In line with the newly revised Mineral Resources Law and its implementing regulations, Inner Mongolia will roll out detailed policies tailored to local conditions to tighten oversight of both active and abandoned mines. The measures aim to close regulatory loopholes, enhance policy enforcement, and promote greener development of mineral resources through institutional innovation.

Authorities will also strictly enforce the primary responsibility of mining rights holders for ecological rehabilitation.

Companies that fail to fulfill their restoration obligations will face legal penalties and joint disciplinary measures under the social credit system.

In severe cases involving significant environmental damage and refusal to rectify violations, legal actions – including claims for ecological damage compensation and public interest litigation – will be pursued to ensure accountability under the principle of "whoever damages, restores, and bears responsibility".

In 2026 alone, the region plans to add more than 50 new green mines.