It was responsible for the regulation, management, preservation and exploitation of natural resources, such as land, mines and oceans.

On March 10, 1998, the 9th National People's Congress passed the "Reform Plan of the Ministries of the State Council".

[2][3]: 25  The State Administration of National Oceans and the State Bureau of Surveying and Mapping remained existing as departments under the jurisdiction of the newly formed Ministry.

[citation needed] Beginning in 1999 and continuing through 2017, the Ministry released comprehensive data on mineral exploration by province.

[4]: 30  These efforts continued following the reorganization of the Ministry and significantly curtailed land misclassification.