It was formed on 19 March 2018, taking on the responsibilities of the now-defunct Ministry of Land and Resources, State Bureau of Surveying and Mapping and State Oceanic Administration, with additional responsibilities coming from other departments and ministries.

On March 19, 2018, the Government of the People's Republic of China announced the simultaneous creation of the Ministry of Natural Resources and dissolution of the Ministry of Land and Resources, State Oceanic Administration, and State Bureau of Surveying and Mapping.

32 of the People's Republic of China, announcing the Decision of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress on the Amendment of the Land Administration Law of the People's Republic of China and the Urban Real Estate Administration Law of the People's Republic of China, which decides to transfer the responsibility for the reform and management of rural residential bases nationwide from the Ministry of Natural Resources to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs.

1063), 10 industry associations (chambers of commerce), including the China Federation of Mining and Mining[clarification needed], which were formerly under the supervision of the Ministry of Natural Resources, were dissociated from the Ministry of Natural Resources.

[5][6] It is also responsible for ecological restoration, protecting arable land, geological land exploration, granting permits for undersea cables and pipelines, upholding maritime interests and rights, coordinating and managing urban and rural planning, as well as surveying and registering water resources.