mineral resources

There are strict time requirements for the renewal of exploration rights, and applications must be made 30 days before expiration. If the application is not made within the time limit, the mining rights will be immediately invalidated and cannot be renewed.

1. Why might your prospecting rights be lost "inexplicably"?

According to statistics from the Ministry of Natural Resources in the first half of 2026, about 28% of applications for renewal of exploration rights were directly rejected due to overdue applications, and 15% were rejected due to insufficient exploration investment.

2. New laws and regulations on the renewal of exploration rights: Time is the lifeline

According to Article 17 of the Mineral Resources Law (revised in 2024), the period of each approval for renewal registration of exploration rights shall not exceed 5 years, and the number of renewals shall in principle not exceed 3 times. This means,Your prospecting rights can last for up to 20 years.

critical time point: If the prospecting right holder needs to extend the exploration work time, he shall apply to the registration management authority for renewal of registration 30 days before the expiration of the exploration license.

3. Four common reasons for renewal rejections

1.Exploration investment is seriously insufficient: The investment in exploration for two consecutive years is lower than the legal standard.

2.Exploration implementation plan is not implemented in place: There are major deviations between the actual survey scope, survey methods and the approved plan.

3.There is environmental damage or safety accidents

4.Unpaid mining rights transfer income

4. Lawyer’s advice

1.Establish expiry warning mechanism: Start preparations for renewal 6 months before the expiry of the exploration license

2.Standardize exploration behavior:Construction in strict accordance with the approved survey implementation plan

3.Financial status should be sorted out in advance: Confirm that the proceeds from the transfer of mining rights have been paid in full

4.Keep application voucher: When submitting a renewal application, be sure to keep the acceptance receipt or mailing receipt

The renewal of exploration rights is not a trivial matter, and the time node is the life and death line.