New Urbanization paths in mineral resource abundant regions in China: A three-dimensional cube framework

Abstract

The proposal of the New Urbanization strategy is not only the result of introspection of extensive urbanization practices in recent decades in China, but also the result of application of the ancient Chinese traditional philosophy “unity of man and nature”, which coincides with modern international idea of sustainable development. Mineral resource abundant regions (MRARs) in China face unique difficulties and challenges in advancing the New Urbanization. It is of great importance to construct a systematic framework of New Urbanization paths for the MRARs in China to effectively guide the New Urbanization there. According to the requirements of strong sustainability, with consideration for the characteristics of MRARs in China, and through systematic summary of the mechanisms of urbanization and regional development discovered by researchers, this paper finds the determining factors for the paths of New Urbanization in MRARs, which are environmental carrying capacity, social and economic foundations, and geographical location conditions. Based on the three determining factors, a three-dimensional cube framework of New Urbanization paths for MRARs is constructed. According to the three-dimensional cube framework, there are two types of path for New Urbanization in MRARs: simple urbanization and intensive urbanization, and each type includes four paths: resource-based, comprehensive, location-based, and central-city urbanization. As a result, there are eight paths for New Urbanization in MRARs in China. These paths differ significantly in their characteristics and advancing points. Under certain conditions, the two types and four urbanization paths are inter-transformable. When formulating advancement policy, it is vital to respect the laws of the nature and the laws of social and economic development, apply cleaner production and circular economy, and adhere to people-oriented principles.