Regulations for Registering to Explore For Mineral Resources Using the Block System (2014).

These Regulations are enacted in accordance with the Mineral resources Law , aiming to strengthen the administration of mineral resources exploration, safeguard the lawful rights and interests of exploration licensees, maintain the exploration order, and promote the wise development of the mining industry. The Text consists of 41 Articles.
In determining the mineral resources areas for exploration, the State shall adopt a Unified Block Registration System, based on a grid pattern in which the basic unit block is longitude 1'X latitude 1'.
Prior to exploring for mineral resources, each exploration project shall be examined, approved, registered, and licensed by the department in charge of geology and mineral resources under the State Council. This includes: 　 1)Those mineral resources that straddle two or more administrative areas of different provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities directly under the Central Government; 2) Those mineral resources in the territorial sea or other marine areas under China's jurisdiction; 3) Those mineral resources explored for by foreign investment; and 4) Those mineral resources listed in the Appendix attached to these Regulations. Each project exploring petroleum and /or gas shall be examined and approved by the organization designed by the State Council, and registered and licensed by the department in charge of geology and mineral resources under the State Council.