China Strengthens Management of Non-metallic Minerals Industry

Recently, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) released a new circular titled "Circular on the Production Statistics of Refractory Clay, Fluorite, Graphite and Other Products." This notice marks a significant step in enhancing the regulation and oversight of China's non-metallic minerals sector. The initiative aims to improve transparency and provide more accurate data on the production and operations of key mineral products, which are essential for various industrial applications.

The scope of this statistical survey includes all enterprises operating within mainland China—excluding Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macau—that produce refractory clay, fluorite, graphite, magnesite, kaolin, talc, or asbestos products, with a minimum scale of industrial operations. The data collected will cover basic company information, production capacity, line output, and sales figures. This comprehensive approach is designed to give policymakers and industry stakeholders a clearer picture of the sector's performance and trends.

Manufacturers are required to submit two types of reports: annual and quarterly. Annual reports must be submitted by March 31 of the following year, while quarterly reports are due 10 days before the start of each quarter. In case of public holidays, submission deadlines will be adjusted accordingly. The reporting process is streamlined through direct submissions from companies to the MIIT’s non-metallic minerals statistics mailbox. These reports are also forwarded to provincial industrial authorities for further review and implementation.

Provincial industrial departments are tasked with ensuring that all relevant enterprises within their jurisdiction comply with the requirements. By June 30, 2014, they are expected to establish regional databases of participating companies and ensure accurate data collection. Qualified manufacturers are encouraged to actively engage in the process, appointing dedicated personnel to provide timely and reliable information for the statistical surveys.

In addition, the MIIT has committed to publishing the collected data publicly, issuing regular industry operation analysis reports, and offering query services for professional enterprises. This effort reflects a broader strategy to enhance the reliability and accessibility of industry data, supporting informed decision-making and long-term planning for the non-metallic minerals sector in China.