mineral resources

A few days ago, a coal mine owner in Shanxi came to me in a panic and was sweating profusely. He said that he had received a notice from the Natural Resources Bureau saying that his mining rights were about to be cancelled. The reason was that he "failed to complete the renewal registration as required." The boss couldn't figure it out - "My mine is obviously still operating normally, why should it be cancelled?"

This is a good question. The "Regulations on the Implementation of the Mineral Resources Law" implemented on June 15, 2026, has made major adjustments to the mining rights registration system.Beijing Yingting Law FirmLet me talk to you about this topic today.

Let’s start with the core changes in the new regulations.

Article 16 of the new regulations clearly stipulates: When applying for the renewal of mining rights, the mining rights holder shall apply to the original mining rights transfer department within 6 months to 3 months before the expiration of the mining rights. What's the meaning? That is, before your mining rights expire, you must actively apply for renewal within the specified time window. Missing this window period will have serious consequences.

How did many people do things under the old regulations?

In the past, many mining rights holders were used to "waiting for notification" - anyway, they had the certificate in their hands, and the government department didn't say no, so they kept delaying it. Some even continue to mine normally for several years after expiration, thinking that everything is fine. As a result, when I wanted to transfer or get a loan, I discovered that the mining rights had long since expired.

Where are the strict requirements of the new regulations reflected?

First, the application time window is clarified. It must be 6 months to 3 months before expiration. It will not work if it is too early, and it will not work if it is too late. Second, the approval time limit is clarified. The new regulations stipulate that the original mining rights granting department shall make a decision on whether to approve the renewal before the expiration of the mining rights. This means that you can no longer "wait for notification" - if there is no reply after the deadline, you have to take the initiative to ask. Third, the new regulations strengthen the publicity effect of registration. Article 22 clarifies that the establishment, change, transfer, mortgage and elimination of mining rights must be registered in accordance with the law. Without registration, it will have no legal effect.

What if the mining rights really lapse?

This is a very difficult question. According to Article 78 of the new regulations, licenses issued before July 1, 2025 will continue to be valid during the validity period. But if your mining rights expire because you have not applied for renewal, it is equivalent to the elimination of your property rights. If you want to reacquire it, you can only go through the transfer process again - bidding, auction, listing, and also see whether the block can still be transferred.

Lawyer Yingting reminds you:Renewal of mining rights is not a trivial matter, it is related to whether your property rights can be continued. It is recommended that all mining rights holders: first, immediately check the expiration time of all their mining rights; second, immediately start the renewal application process for those within 6 months before expiration; third, establish a mining rights management ledger to avoid further omissions.

If there is already a problem with your mining rights, such as receiving a notice of proposed cancellation or undergoing renewal negotiations, be sure to entrust a professional lawyer to intervene in a timely manner.Beijing Yingting Law FirmWe have handled a large number of mining rights dispute cases and have extensive experience in the fields of mineral rights renewal, change, and transfer, and can help you protect your legitimate rights and interests to the maximum extent.

If you encounter legal issues related to mining rights registration, please contact lawyer Liu Jingzhu and we will provide you with professional legal services.

Please consult a professional lawyer for specific questions. This content does not constitute legal advice.