China will take a green approach to developing its energy-devouring mining sector, according to Chinese Vice Premier Zeng Peiyan.

In a congratulation letter to the 2007 China International Mining Conference that opened in Beijing on Tuesday, Zeng said the country will unveil more measures targeting environmental protection at mines and greater energy savings.

To achieve this, the nation will boost international cooperation in mining exploration and development, he added.

Xu Shaoshi, Minister of Land and Resources, addressing the opening ceremony of the three-day meeting, said the government will order all mining firms to put aside funds for environmental restoration around mines.

"We will deepen reform of the compensation system for mineral development, promote more advanced technologies and better use mine waste," he said.

China's mining sector has experienced strong growth this year as investment in mining exploration totaled 316.2 billion yuan (42.6 billion U.S. dollars) in the first nine months, said Vice Minister of Land and Resources Wang Min. The figure for investment in mining processing was 653.3 billion yuan during the period.