Beijing will curb mineral exploitation to preserve resources and protect the environment, said a government official Thursday.
  
Zhang Wei, deputy director of the municipal land and resources administration, said Beijing will impose a tough policy on mining and issue no new licenses for the exploitation.
  
The current exploitation in forbidden zone for mining will be halted by the end of 2007, even the licenses are still valid, said the official. Meanwhile, the city will restrain small-scale exploitation.
  
A total of 126 mineral resources, including coal, iron and limestone, have been found in Beijing with 66 sorts of solid minerals. Liquid mines such as terrestrial heat, mineral water, groundwater and petroleum in various districts including Daxing District.

(Xinhua News Agency April 1, 2005)