INFOGRAPHIC: How much do geologists make?

China's steel consumption in 2024 and 2025 is forecast at 863 million metric tons and 850 million tons, respectively.

The group said it will consider the base metals business demerger at a later stage.

The new policy will not affect those qualified as "advanced coal projects" such as the controversial Grassy Mountain mine.

In 2017, El Salvador became the first country in the world to ban forms of metals mining.