Recently, the National Development and Reform Commission, the Ministry of Water Resources, the Ministry of Natural Resources, the Ministry of Ecology and Environment, the Ministry of Emergency Management, the State Administration for Market Regulation, the National Energy Administration, and the National Mine Safety Supervision Bureau jointly issued the Guiding Opinions on Strengthening Mine Water Conservation and Utilization (Development and Reform (Environment) [2024] 226, hereinafter referred to as the "Guiding Opinions").

The "Guiding Opinions" are guided by Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, fully implement the spirit of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, thoroughly implement Xi Jinping Thought on Ecological Civilization, implement General Secretary Xi Jinping's important exposition on water control, and implement the idea of "water conservation first, space Balancing, systematic governance, and two-pronged efforts" water control, completely, accurately and comprehensively implement the new development concept, implement the comprehensive conservation strategy, and use technological innovation as the driving force. Based on improving processing capabilities and strengthening pipe network construction, and supported by improving policy standards, we will promote the source protection, classified treatment, and comprehensive utilization of mine water, strengthen overall coordination, strengthen constraints and incentives, effectively alleviate coal-water conflicts in Kuangqu mining areas, promote high-quality development, and accelerate the construction of a beautiful China.

According to the Guide, by 2025, the amount of mine water utilization in the country will continue to increase and its utilization rate will continue to rise. Among them, the Yellow River Basin will strive to reach a level of 68% and higher, and a basic system of mine water protection and utilization policies and market mechanisms will be established. By 2030, the mine water management system, market regulation mechanism, and technical support capabilities will continue to be enhanced. The utilization efficiency and benefits of mine water will be further improved.

The Guiding Opinions have clarified the 14 key work tasks in four aspects. First, reinforce the protection of the water source of the mine. Promote source control, reasonably select control techniques and implement safety supervision. Second, promote hierarchical water treatment of mines. Promote the large-scale and intelligent treatment of mine water containing suspended solids, green hierarchical treatment of mine water with high mineralization, and efficient directional treatment of acid mine water and mine water with special components. Third, promote the comprehensive utilization of mine water. Enhance the configuration of mine water and promote its use in production, livelihood, ecology and agricultural irrigation. Fourth, improve the system and mechanism of mine water utilization. Improve the statistical metering assessment system, improve policies and standards, improve the price and tax mechanism, improve financial and fiscal policies and enhance scientific and technological support.

The Guiding Opinions require strengthening organizational coordination, enhancing supervision and management, and increasing publicity efforts. Relevant departments shall perform their duties and work together to implement various measures.