Self-Regulatory Initiative for Sustainable Development in International Cooperation on Mineral Resources

Description

On September 10, 2026, the China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Minerals, Metals, and Chemicals released the “Self-Regulatory Initiative on Sustainable Development in Overseas Cooperation for Mineral Resources.” This marks the first self-regulatory framework in China’s mining industry to cover the entire industrial chain. The initiative recommends that enterprises, in their overseas operations: comply with laws, regulations, and national policies; adhere to business ethics and ensure fair competition; fulfill social responsibilities and deepen symbiotic relationships with local communities; protect employee rights and promote professional development; implement responsible procurement to ensure supply chain security; engage in environmental protection and advance green transformation. Furthermore, the initiative encourages enterprises to establish transparent grievance and evaluation mechanisms to ensure channels for stakeholder feedback. This initiative provides Chinese mining enterprises with a common set of behavioral guidelines covering the entire industrial chain for their overseas operations. It helps enterprises improve their social and environmental performance in host countries, mitigate human rights and compliance risks in the supply chain, and drive the industry’s transition from disorderly competition to coordinated development, thereby promoting high-quality and sustainable development in international cooperation on mineral resources.