Abstract:
In order to systematically evaluate the current situation and trend of ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) practices among Chinese mining enterprises, this study analyzes the ESG information disclosure, rating results, and investment and financing performance of 130 A-share listed mining companies, based on data from the WIND ESG and the MSCI ESG databases. The research results indicate that: in terms of disclosure, the ESG report disclosure rate for mining companies increased from 44.62% in 2016 to 80.00% in 2025, significantly higher than the overall A-share average of 45.67%. Furthermore, 41.54% of these companies have achieved continuous disclosure for 10 years. Regarding ratings, the WIND ESG ratings of mining companies demonstrates three major advancements: the emergence of top-tier ratings for the first time, an expansion in the high-end segment, and a contraction in the tail-end segment. In contrast, according to MSCI ESG ratings, nearly 80% of Chinese mining companies remain in the laggard category of the industry. In the capital market, domestic ESG funds exhibit a very low portfolio allocation in mining companies. Conversely, the Hong Kong stock market attracts international sustainable capital to heavily invest in high-rated mining enterprises. Additionally, the rate of return for mining ESG index products is significantly higher than the market benchmark. This study reveals that the ESG practices of Chinese mining companies face several challenges, including insufficient adaptability to international rating standards, legacy issues from overseas mergers and acquisitions, and low attention from green capital. To assist mining enterprises in objectively assessing their own ESG performance gaps, the study proposes the construction of a micro-level governance pathway centered on eight key focus areas for ESG information disclosure: proactivity, continuity, applicability, objectivity, feasibility, comparability, reliability, and interactivity. In order to ensure that China’s mining enterprises actively participate in the construction of a new pattern of green, transparent and responsible global mining governance, it is proposed that mining companies need to use ESG as a link to deeply integrate sustainable development principles into their overseas resource rights and equity layouts, and to effectively communicate their sustainable mining stories to attract green capital. The competent department of mining exploration and development timely introduces the industry standard of sustainable information disclosure in the mining field to connect with the national standard system. Domestic ESG rating agencies need to gradually improve their international recognition based on the local and overseas to hedge the value deviation of western rating agencies.