Published by: World Tibet Network News, Thursday, January 25, 1996

Source: Xinhua news agency, Beijing, in English 1427 gmt 22 Jan 96

Text of report by Xinhua news agency

Lhasa, 22nd January: China's Tibet Autonomous Region is scheduled to enlarge its mining industry, taking advantage of its rich mineral resources.

The autonomous region is determined to make mining the mainstay of its economy, and hopes that development of local mining will be an effective way to help the poor.

Tibet's eastern part will focus on copper mining, the western and northern parts on gold and boron mining, and the middle part will give priority to exploitation of chromium.

The autonomous region has used many means, including setting up a regional exploitation fund for mineral resource prospecting and for attracting foreign funds, and increase development funds for the mineral industry.

Tibet also attaches great importance to the use of scientific developments in the mining industry. It has set out to perfect administrative regulations on mining industry development, in a bid to make full use of its mineral resources.