Exploration Rights in the PRC: The How To and Where To Guide

May 02, 2003 | BY

clpstaff &clp articles

China's mining industry hasn't experienced the dramatic growth in foreign investment that many other sectors of the economy have during the reform period. How can foreign investors tap in to the sector, and is the government committed to revamping the exploration industry?


 

By Marcia Ward and Campbell Izzard, Allens Arthur Robinson, Shanghai

For years the Ministry of Land and Resources (MOLAR) has promised to reform the approval process and the costs associated with securing exploration rights in the PRC, and in so doing to encourage foreign investment in an industry yet to experience the transformation wrought in other sectors of China's economy. In a classic case of one step forward and two steps sideways, the laws and notices issued in 1998 and 20001 that aimed at clarifying the exploration application process, the transfer and assignment of exploration rights and encouragement of investment in exploration, do not seem to have convinced foreign investors that things are any easier. According to recent public data, foreign direct investment (FDI) in exploration and mining accounts for just 1.75% of total FDI in China.2

This premium content is reserved for
China Law & Practice Subscribers.

  • A database of over 3,000 essential documents including key PRC legislation translated into English
  • A choice of newsletters to alert you to changes affecting your business including sector specific updates
  • Premium access to the mobile optimized site for timely analysis that guides you through China's ever-changing business environment
For enterprise-wide or corporate enquiries, please contact our experienced Sales Professionals at +44 (0)203 868 7546 or [email protected]