Edited and Translated by People's Daily Online

　　As a major energy consumer, China must rely more on domestic resources, and actively encourage private investment in mineral exploration and development, Xu Shaoshi, head of the Ministry of Land and Resources (MLR), said at a conference guiding domestic private enterprises in mineral exploration on March 28.

　　Xu said that in order to encourage more private enterprises to explore for mineral deposits, the MLR will provide information on potential mining sites, provide financial support through geological exploration funds and mining banks, improve the mining rights market and prospecting services, protect investors’ legitimate rights and interests, and treat private enterprises equally in the mining sector.