85% of Yichang mines complete green upgrades
2026-06-16 21:06:59
By Gao Qing
As of June, 85 percent of Yichang’s 58 major mines had completed green-mine upgrades. Forty-four local mines have been recognized as national- or provincial-level green mines, the highest number in Hubei Province.
As of June, 85 percent of Yichang’s 58 major mines had completed green-mine upgrades. Forty-four local mines have been recognized as national- or provincial-level green mines, the highest number in Hubei Province.
Yuan’an County. Photo by Yu Shunyi
Sealed transport pipelines have significantly reduced pollution. At Xingfa Group’s Houping phosphate mine, a 55-kilometer pipeline has cut dust emissions by 85 percent and reduced annual transport costs by 50 million yuan (US$7.33 million). At the Shukongping phosphate mine, technological breakthroughs have unlocked 120 million tons of low-grade phosphate ore.
Yiling District has promoted the cut-and-fill mining method, achieving a phosphate ore recovery rate of more than 80 percent.
The abandoned coal mine in Baiyun Village has been rebuilt into a kiwi fruit plantation.Yuan’an County has integrated mining and ecological restoration from the planning stage. The abandoned coal mine in Baiyun Village has been transformed into a kiwi fruit plantation that helps increase local incomes. The former Huangjiahe phosphate mine in Yiling District has also been renovated into a rural tourism destination.
Across Yichang, 84 closed mines have completed ecological restoration. All suitable areas have been replanted, and many former mine sites have been converted into rural tourism attractions.
The former Huangjiahe phosphate mine in Yiling District has been renovated into the Xisai Above the Clouds rural tourism site.Authorities have implemented tiered management for all mines. The city aims to cover all operating mines with green mine standards by the end of 2028, with regular inspections to ensure they meet environmental protection requirements. Officials said that Yichang will continue upgrading mining work in six major areas, including environmental protection, standardized mining operations, and ecological restoration.
Supported by the Yangtze River conservation campaign, Yichang’s mining industry has shifted from extensive resource extraction to greener and more sustainable growth.
Gong Changjun, Lin Jie, Hu Weilong also contributed to this story.
