Shanxi Province in northern China has issued a notice on improving mining management in the Qinling Mountains, which form a geographical dividing line between the north and south of the country. Abundant natural resources have made Qinling home to countless flora and fauna, such as the giant panda, snub-nosed monkey, and crested ibis.

The notice from the province's natural resources department strictly prohibits searching for mineral resources in the core area of the mountains and forbids quarrying on the northern slope. Closure notices will be issued by county-level governments to any mineral properties operating in the area before the end of October.

(Cover image via VCG)

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