The State Council has approved a five-year national plan on mineral resources (2016-20) to protect and use mineral resources effectively, according to a circular released on Nov 8.

The document calls for a more environment-friendly mining industry with rational utilization and effective conservation, which should help boost its green transformation and allow resource development to benefit all people.

Related departments of the State Council and provincial governments are urged to implement the plan by making their own schedule.

The Ministry of Land and Resources will be responsible for supervision and evaluation of the implementation.