China’s New National Green Mine List – 311 Mines Selected as Carbon Goals Drive Equipment Upgrades

Why the latest national green mine list, covering 311 mines across China, signals a fundamental shift in the industry – and what it means for quarry operators and equipment buyers worldwide

On July 21, 2026, China’s Ministry of Natural Resources officially published the new batch of mines proposed for inclusion in the National Green Mine Directory. A total of 311 mines were selected following a rigorous multi-departmental review process covering ecological restoration, carbon reduction, and intelligent mining. Among them, 50 sand and stone mines – including building stone limestone, sandstone, tuff, dolomite, granite, and gneiss – were included, distributed across 16 provincial-level regions. Hubei Province led the list with 14 mines, followed by Zhejiang with 13, and Chongqing with 5. This announcement is more than a routine administrative update. It reflects a clear and accelerating industry direction: 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 and screening 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.

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

The national green mine evaluation system has evolved significantly from its early years, when it focused primarily on tree planting, dust suppression, and visual improvements. Today, the standards are far more comprehensive. The current evaluation framework covers multiple 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. For open-pit mines, the intelligent mining rate – the proportion of unmanned operations – must meet specific targets. 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 is no longer optional – it is a prerequisite for staying in business.

Major cement and building materials groups lead the transition – integrated producers set the pace

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. The Huaxin Cement Group leads with five mines across its subsidiaries. The Conch Cement Group follows with two mines. The China National Building Material Group and PowerChina each have three mines. 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.

Zhejiang’s “mine-land integrated development” model – a replicable success story

Zhejiang’s 13 sand and stone mines on the list include several that have adopted a “mine-land integrated development” model, which links aggregate extraction with land rehabilitation and industrial land supply. This approach, pioneered in Zhejiang, has become a hallmark of the province’s mineral management policy. By combining building stone extraction with land reclamation and industrial development, operators can achieve both economic returns and environmental restoration – a model that is now being replicated across other regions. For quarry operators, this demonstrates that green mining is not just about compliance – it is about creating value through integrated planning and sustainable practices. The success of this model, evidenced by the number of Zhejiang mines on the national list, shows that operators who embrace green transformation can achieve both regulatory compliance and commercial success.

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 selection of 311 mines, including 50 sand and stone operations, 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.