Two projects in North China's Shanxi province involving the ecological restoration of abandoned mines were recently designated as "2024 National Abandoned Mine Ecological Restoration Demonstration Projects".

The two selected projects are respectively located in the cities of Xinzhou and Shuozhou and are expected to receive 600 million yuan ($82.90 million) in support from the central government.

The Xinzhou's project covers 82 townships in eight counties, with a total investment of 530 million yuan. After the project is finished, a total of 309 abandoned mine spots are expected to be repaired, with a restoration area of 1,229.53 hectares. This will reduce the amount of yellow mud and sand entering the area and enhance water conservation capacity and biodiversity.

The Shuozhou project covers five counties and districts, with a total investment of 567 million yuan. After the project is finished, a total of 771 abandoned mine spots are expected to be repaired, with a restoration area of 1,555.58 hectares. This will improve the regional living environment and enhance the stability of regional ecological functions and carbon sequestration capacity.

Shanxi will fully utilize the financial support provided by the central government to complete the ecological restoration of the abandoned mines throughout the province in a high-quality manner.