50 Sand and Stone Mines Earn China's National Green Mine Status – What This Means for Sustainable Aggregate Production

Why the inclusion of 50 sand and stone mines in China's new national green mine list signals a fundamental shift toward sustainable, efficient, and digitally enabled aggregate production

In July 2026, China's Ministry of Natural Resources published the latest list of mines proposed for inclusion in the National Green Mine Directory. A total of 311 mines across the country were selected, spanning coal, ferrous metals, non-ferrous metals, building stone, sand and gravel, geothermal, mineral water, graphite, and fluorite resources. According to data compiled by the Sand & Stone Aggregate Network, 50 of these mines are sand and stone operations—covering building stone limestone, sandstone, tuff, dolomite, granite, gneiss, and other rock types. For quarry operators and aggregate producers, this list is more than a recognition of environmental achievement. It reflects a fundamental shift in industry standards. Green mining is no longer a voluntary label. It is becoming a baseline requirement for operations that want to remain competitive, secure permits, and supply major infrastructure projects. At OCP Mechanical Company, with over 40 years of manufacturing experience, we supply a comprehensive range of crushing, screening, and sand making equipment—including PE Series jaw crushers, HST Series cone crushers, and VSI 6X sand making machines—designed to help operators meet the rigorous standards of modern green mining, all at factory-direct prices.

Hubei and Zhejiang lead the way – where the green mining transition is accelerating fastest

The 50 sand and stone mines are spread across 16 provincial-level administrative regions. Hubei Province leads the list with 14 mines, representing 28 per cent of the total. Zhejiang Province follows closely with 13 mines. Together, these two provinces account for more than half of all sand and stone mines on the list. Chongqing ranks third with five mines, while Hebei, Anhui, Guangdong, Guangxi, and Gansu each have two. Shanxi, Liaoning, Jiangxi, Shandong, Henan, Hunan, Ningxia, and Xinjiang each have one. The concentration in Hubei and Zhejiang is not accidental. Both provinces have been active in promoting green mining standards, with Zhejiang in particular advancing a "mine-land integrated development" model that links aggregate extraction with land rehabilitation and industrial land supply. For quarry operators in these regions—and for those watching the trend elsewhere—the message is clear: green certification is becoming a competitive necessity, not a choice.

Major cement and building materials groups dominate the list – integrated producers lead the transition

The list reveals a notable pattern: the majority of sand and stone mines that earned national green mine status are operated by large, integrated cement and building materials groups. Huaxin Cement Group leads with five mines across its subsidiaries. Conch Cement Group follows with two mines. China National Building Material Group and PowerChina each have three mines. Gezhouba Cement and Taiwan Cement each have one. This concentration reflects a broader industry trend. Large, vertically integrated producers have the capital, technical expertise, and management systems to meet the demanding green mine standards. They also have the commercial incentive: green certification helps secure supply contracts for major infrastructure projects, where sustainability requirements are increasingly stringent. For smaller, independent quarry operators, this presents both a challenge and an opportunity. The challenge is to upgrade operations to meet green standards. The opportunity is to capture market share from operators that cannot make the transition.

From "beautification" to full-process control – the new green mine standards are more demanding than ever

The national green mine evaluation system has evolved significantly. In its early years, the standards focused primarily on environmental "beautification"—tree planting, dust suppression, and visual improvements. Today, the standards are far more comprehensive. The current evaluation framework covers five core dimensions: resource efficient utilisation, ecological restoration and rehabilitation, energy conservation and carbon reduction, intelligent and digital mining, and mine-community harmonious development. Mines seeking green status must meet rigorous benchmarks in energy efficiency, emissions control, waste management, and digital operations. According to industry sources, the new green mine standards require comprehensive energy consumption to be reduced by more than 30 per cent compared to 2020 baseline levels. The proportion of non-fossil energy use must be no less than 45 per cent. For open-pit mines, the intelligent mining rate—the proportion of unmanned operations—must be no less than 60 per cent. These are not cosmetic improvements. They require fundamental changes in equipment, processes, and management systems. For quarry operators, this means investing in energy-efficient crushing and screening equipment, automated control systems, and integrated dust and water management solutions.

What green mine certification means for aggregate buyers and infrastructure projects

The green mine list matters not only to mine operators but also to the buyers of aggregates—construction companies, concrete producers, and government infrastructure agencies. Major infrastructure projects increasingly require that materials come from certified green mines. This requirement is becoming embedded in procurement specifications for highways, railways, airports, and urban development projects. For aggregate producers, green certification is becoming a prerequisite for supplying high-value projects. For equipment suppliers, the trend toward green mining creates demand for machinery that supports energy efficiency, emissions reduction, and digital operation. Crushers and screens with intelligent monitoring systems, variable frequency drives, and dust suppression capabilities are no longer optional extras. They are essential tools for achieving green certification and maintaining access to premium markets. OCP Mechanical's equipment is engineered to support these requirements, with energy-efficient motors, optional automation and monitoring systems, and integrated dust control solutions that help operators meet the most demanding environmental standards. All product specifications, including capacity and power ratings, are continuously updated; for the latest parameters, please consult our online customer service.

How OCP Mechanical supports green mining and sustainable aggregate production

The shift toward green mining creates new demands on equipment. Operators need crushers that consume less energy per tonne, screens that operate with lower noise and dust emissions, and control systems that enable remote monitoring and predictive maintenance. They also need equipment that can be integrated into digital management platforms, supporting the intelligent and digital mining standards that are now part of the green mine evaluation framework. OCP Mechanical's comprehensive range of crushing and screening equipment is designed with these requirements in mind. Our PE Series jaw crushers and HST Series cone crushers feature energy-efficient motors and optimised chamber designs that reduce power consumption. Our S Series vibrating screens are engineered for low noise and dust emissions. Our VSI 6X sand making machines produce high-quality manufactured sand with consistent gradation, supporting resource-efficient utilisation. All our equipment can be equipped with monitoring and automation options, enabling operators to track performance, identify potential issues, and optimise settings for maximum efficiency. By choosing equipment that supports green mining standards, operators can achieve both regulatory compliance and operational efficiency. Prices are for reference only and are subject to change based on configuration and market conditions.

Sample green mine list summary (For reference only)

All figures and recommendations are for reference only and are continuously updated. For the latest parameters, please consult our online customer service. Prices are for reference only and are subject to change based on configuration and market conditions. Actual results may vary depending on feed characteristics, operating conditions, and maintenance practices. OCP Mechanical reserves the right to update technical data and pricing without prior notice.

Why OCP Mechanical is your partner for sustainable aggregate production

With over 40 years of manufacturing experience, OCP Mechanical combines engineering excellence with a deep understanding of the evolving standards in the aggregate industry. We are a factory-direct supplier, meaning you avoid the markups charged by dealers and intermediaries. Our comprehensive range of crushing and screening equipment is built with high-quality components and is designed for reliable performance in the most demanding applications, including those that require compliance with green mining standards. We provide comprehensive after-sales support, including spare parts availability, technical assistance, and on-site training. Our logistics team has extensive experience shipping to global destinations, ensuring timely delivery of equipment and parts. We are committed to helping you achieve efficient, sustainable aggregate production that supports your business growth.

Conclusion – Invest in equipment that supports the new green mining standards

The inclusion of 50 sand and stone mines in China's new national green mine list signals a clear direction for the aggregate industry. Green mining is becoming the baseline standard, not an optional certification. For quarry operators, this means investing in equipment that supports energy efficiency, emissions reduction, and digital operation is essential for maintaining competitiveness and securing access to premium markets. OCP Mechanical offers reliable crushing and screening solutions that meet the needs of modern sustainable aggregate production, backed by expert guidance and responsive after-sales support. Our online customer service team is available 24/7 to provide free consultation, technical data, and a customised quotation for your operation. Click the chat button now – let us help you build a more sustainable, efficient, and profitable aggregate operation.