1. Dengfeng - A large bauxite deposit has been discovered in Xinmi.

　　The “Dengfeng” project, undertaken by the Fifth Geological Exploration Institute of the Henan Provincial Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources. - The “Survey Project for Alumina (Clay) Deposits Beneath the Shengdi Temple Coal Field in Xinmi Coalfield” is expected to identify a large-scale bauxite deposit. 1 Location. Project workspace area 141.6 Square kilometers—Preliminary estimated bauxite resource reserves for the entire region 4700 Tens of thousands of tons. This ore body is shallowly buried, has a relatively high grade, a high aluminum-to-silicon ratio, and low sulfur content, making its development conditions favorable. In addition, the bauxite ore body is associated with fireclay, pyrite, and co-occurring minerals such as gallium and lithium, yielding outstanding results in integrated mineral exploration.

　　Comment: The project not only successfully implemented the new collaborative exploration and mineral discovery model advocated by the Henan Provincial Department of Natural Resources and Land, but its exploration results have also provided a reserve resource guarantee for China Aluminum Corporation.

　　2. China and Laos Sign Geological and Mineral Cooperation Project

　　China - The Laos geological and mineral cooperation project has been signed. The main contents include: in the first round... 5200 The square-kilometer constituency assessment has already selected the preferred ones. 4 A mineral exploration target area (with a total area of) 646.99 square kilometers) to carry out cooperation on mineral exploration and prospecting, with a duration of 5 Year, the total investment amount is based on the census and exploration funding allocated as identified in the technical plan. 4542965.9 U.S. dollar. Authorized by the Sichuan Provincial Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources 403 The team is responsible for the organization and implementation of the project, fulfilling Party B’s obligations (investment), and handling specific matters and executing the project.

　　Comment: The signing of this project marks the entry of Sichuan Provincial Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources and Laos’ geology and mineral resources cooperation into a new phase. The Sichuan Provincial Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources is firmly committed to implementing its “going global” strategy and is stepping up its active integration into the Belt and Road Initiative with even greater determination and strength.

　　3. Hohhot Geothermal Exploration Achieves New Breakthrough

　　The geothermal exploration projects undertaken by the No. 7 Institute of Geological and Mineral Exploration and Development of the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region in the Bikqi area of Tuzuo Banner, as well as the geothermal exploration project in the Baoheshao area of Hohhot, carried out by the No. 1 Institute of Water Resources Exploration of Inner Mongolia, have both achieved significant breakthroughs. Preliminary tests have revealed that the newly discovered geothermal water contains a variety of chemically beneficial substances, including hydrogen sulfide, fluorine, metasilicic acid, bromides, iodides, metaboric acid, strontium, lithium, and barium—substances that are highly valuable for medical purposes. Moreover, this geothermal water possesses substantial economic value, offering benefits such as heating and contributing to green ecological development.

　　Comment: The successful flow of these hot springs further confirms that the Hohhot-Baotou Plain is rich in geothermal resources with enormous exploitation potential. The development of geothermal resources will undoubtedly become a key driving force behind the economic growth of the Hohhot-Baotou-Ordos metropolitan area.

　　4. A massive graphite deposit has been discovered in Heilongjiang.

　　A massive graphite deposit has been discovered within the operating area of the Xibeileng Management Station of the Linkou Forestry Bureau in Heilongjiang Province. Currently, the total proven graphite reserves have reached— 3500 Over 10,000 tons, including within the operating area of the Northwest Leng Management Office. 2500 Ten thousand tons, within Sanhe Village, Linkou County. 1000 Over 10,000 tons. Data analysis indicates that the graphite deposits within the forestry operation area of the Linkou Forestry Bureau can be categorized as: 5 a mineral belt, 56 The ore body has a maximum fixed carbon grade of: 21.54% , with an average grade reaching 7.04% 。

　　Comment: The northwest Leng graphite deposit boasts excellent ore bodies and high-grade mineralization. The deposit is enormous in scale, has a simple geological structure, and features abundant reserves—qualities that are extremely rare nationwide and make it highly conducive to development. Experts suggest that the local authorities should promptly release a feasibility study and implementation plan for the development and utilization of the graphite industry, along with a range of favorable policies and measures, to accelerate the realization of graphite projects in the Linkou Forest Area.

　　5. The “Mineral-Based Prospecting Series” Has Been Published

　　Edited by Zhu Xun, Secretary-General of the 8th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and former Minister of the Ministry of Geology and Mineral Resources, and jointly compiled by the China Geological Survey and the National Committee for Geoscience Philosophy, the “Series on Prospecting for Minerals” is published by the Geological Publishing House. Belonging to the field of geoscience philosophy, the “Series on Prospecting for Minerals” comprises the following volumes: “On Prospecting for Minerals,” “Theory and Practice of Prospecting for Minerals,” and “Prospecting for Minerals.” 100 Examples: “Collection of Papers on Mineral Exploration Based on Existing Mines,” etc. 4 The composition of this monograph, the entire book 32 Open, total 105 Ten thousand characters.

　　Comment: The "Series on Prospecting for Minerals Based on Existing Mines" is a culmination of the experience and wisdom of several generations of geologists across the country. With its abundant data, meticulous analysis, and profound summarizations, it presents to readers a historical panorama of the theory and practice of mineral exploration based on existing mines, leaving behind for future generations an extensive and profound compendium of practical knowledge.

　　6. The Qinghai Provincial Third Survey and Design Institute Establishes an Academician and Expert Workstation.

　　4 Moon 8 In the morning, the Academician Expert Workstation of the Third Geological and Mineral Exploration Institute of the Qinghai Provincial Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources was officially established and inaugurated, and an academic seminar was held concurrently. The workstation was established through collaborative efforts between the Qinghai Third Exploration Institute and Academician He Jishan of the Chinese Academy of Engineering and his team, and was approved by the Qinghai Provincial Association for Science and Technology.

　　Comment: Establishment of the workstation , Relying on the scientific and technological expertise of academicians and their teams of experts, we will cultivate a group of high-level, application-oriented talents in geophysical exploration, thereby enhancing the ability to interpret geophysical anomalies and improving overall research capabilities at the Third Exploration Institute. The workstation will achieve innovative breakthroughs in geophysical exploration applications across several key areas: deep-seated concealed polymetallic ore exploration, exploration for new energy resources such as shale gas and geothermal energy, ecological and environmental monitoring, and geophysical exploration applied to major engineering projects, striving to realize significant breakthroughs in mineral discovery.

　　7. Jiaodong has become the world’s third-largest gold mining region.

　　Press Conference on the Achievements of Deep-Exploration Prospecting for Gold Deposits in the Jiaodong Region on 5 Moon 3 The event was held at the Ministry of Natural Resources. At the press conference, Yu Haifeng, Director of the Geological Exploration Department of the Ministry of Natural Resources, introduced that: 2011 Since [year], new large- and medium-sized or larger gold deposits have been discovered in the Jiaodong region of Shandong Province. 70 Multiple locations, new gold resource reserves added. 2400 Tons. The Jiaodong region has surged to become the world’s third-largest gold mining area, firmly establishing its position as the nation’s largest gold production base.

　　Comment: The Jiaodong region still holds significant potential for mineral exploration. Moving forward, Shandong Province will continue to carry out deep-level gold resource exploration in the Jiaodong area and conduct surveys of gold resources in nearshore waters. Furthermore, Shandong Provincial People’s Government will sign a cooperation agreement with the China Geological Survey under the Ministry of Natural Resources to jointly promote new breakthroughs in gold exploration in the Jiaodong region.

　　8. A super-large wollastonite deposit has been discovered in Xinyu, Jiangxi Province.

　　Jiangxi Provincial Coalfield Geological Bureau 224 Shizhu Mountain in Yushui District, Xinyu City, newly explored by the geological team. - The Zhangmubiao wollastonite mine project in Shanggao County is a super-large wollastonite deposit. The total estimated reserves of wollastonite in this deposit are... 3100 Ten thousand tons, mineral quantity 1860 Ten thousand tons.

　　Comment: A netizen praised this achievement as “astonishing in reserves and the largest in Asia.” Indeed, the discovery of this wollastonite deposit holds significant economic value. Wollastonite boasts excellent insulating properties, along with high whiteness, favorable dielectric performance, and superior resistance to heat and weathering. It is widely used in fields such as automotive, ceramics, chemical industry, metallurgy, papermaking, plastics, and coatings.

　　9. Liaoning Province’s resettlement plan for workers affected by geological exploration reform has been finalized.

　　The General Office of the People's Government of Liaoning Province issued the “Notice on Doing a Good Job in Straightening Out Property Rights Relationships and Properly Resettling Employees in Newly Established Provincial State-Owned Enterprise Groups,” which requires, among others, the Liaoning Provincial Geological and Mineral Resources Group. 5 The plan for the proper placement of employees in the newly established provincial-level enterprise group in Liaoning Province will be implemented.

　　Comment: The shift to enterprise-based operations has become an irreversible major trend. However, during this transition, employees must not be treated as sacrificial victims. Liaoning Province has closely examined the current situation, analyzed existing challenges, and thoughtfully addressed the issue of workforce placement in the geological exploration sector’s reform. At the same time, we hope that geological exploration workers can shed their mental burdens and move forward with a lighter heart during the transition.

　　10. Hunan Provincial Bureau of Geological Exploration Wins First Prize for Provincial Scientific and Technological Progress for the First Time

　　The “Qianlishan Mountain in Southern Hunan,” jointly completed by the Hunan Provincial Bureau of Geological and Mineral Exploration and Development, the Changsha Mineral Resources Exploration Center of the Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, the Provincial Xiangnan Geological Survey Institute, and the Provincial Institute of Geological Survey, among other institutions. - The project “Research on Tin and Polymetallic Deposits in Qitianling Area and Prospecting Exploration” has been awarded. 2016 The First Prize of the Annual Hunan Province Science and Technology Progress Award—the first time the Hunan Provincial Bureau of Geology and Exploration has ever received this award’s First Prize.

　　Comment: The award underscores the Hunan Provincial Bureau of Geological Exploration’s outstanding geological and technological strength as well as the high caliber of its talent pool. It is a well-deserved recognition of the bureau’s longstanding commitment to “establishing the bureau through geological work,” achieving breakthroughs in mineral exploration, and continuously enhancing its capabilities. It also reflects the outcomes of a series of initiatives undertaken by the bureau, including building a roster of technical experts, implementing the “Ten-Hundred-Thousand” talent program, constantly strengthening geological research and technological innovation, and reinforcing collaborative “industry-academia-research” partnerships with scientific research institutions.

　　11. A survey institute from Shandong Province has discovered a large copper deposit in Nepal.

　　The No. 1 Institute of Geological and Mineral Exploration of the Shandong Provincial Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources, in Wapsa, Solukhumbu District, Nepal Wapsa ) The town has discovered a super-large copper deposit with an average grade of... 7.9% , revealing the length of the copper ore body 1500 Rice, with an average thickness of approximately 17 Meter, the ore body extends deeper than 1000 Rice, with an average ore grade reaching 7.9% Local grade 31% Preliminary estimates indicate that the copper metal resource reserves exceed the large-scale threshold.

　　Commentary: Nepal, located at the southern foot of the Himalayas and bordering China to the north, is a country along the Belt and Road Initiative. The country has relatively low levels of geological exploration, and currently has no metal mining enterprises. Therefore, China and Nepal have significant potential for cooperation in the mining sector. The discovery of the Vapsa copper deposit has laid a solid foundation for mining cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative. Further exploration and development of this deposit will play a catalytic role in promoting local economic and social development and boosting employment opportunities for local residents.

　　12. The “Zhongbo Sichuan Think Tank” has established a workstation at the Sichuan Provincial Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources.

　　The nation’s first central doctoral service team think tank, the “Zhongbo Sichuan Think Tank,” has established a workstation at the Sichuan Provincial Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources. This marks the first time the think tank has set up a workstation within a provincial-level government department in Sichuan. The think tank will focus on areas such as soil remediation, geological environmental surveys, and mineral resource development, providing intellectual services in these fields.

　　Comment: The establishment of the workstation will undoubtedly play a positive role in driving and demonstrating the transformative development of Sichuan Province’s geological and mineral resources system. The station’s presence will effectively integrate the R&D resources of Sichuan’s geological exploration institutions, fully leveraging the scientific research strengths of academicians, experts, and technical professionals, thereby enhancing the efficiency of translating scientific and technological achievements and significantly boosting the core competitiveness of the province’s geological industry. At the same time, as a major initiative for innovative cooperation, this move will also markedly elevate the overall quality and caliber of the province’s geological talent pool.

　　13. The Qinghai Provincial Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources is fully implementing green exploration.

　　Qinghai Provincial Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources and its affiliated bureaus 13 For the first time, a geological exploration unit has signed the “Responsibility Letter for Green Exploration and Development Target Management,” clearly defining the primary responsibilities of all production and operational units across the organization for green exploration. Moreover, green exploration has been incorporated into annual performance evaluations for the first time, marking a further strengthening and implementation of green exploration and development efforts.

　　Comment: Over the years, geological exploration in Qinghai has increasingly become difficult to carry out due to constraints imposed by the external environment. Moreover, in recent years, most areas of Qinghai have been designated as ecological protection zones. Therefore, green exploration represents the ultimate way forward for geological exploration in Qinghai.

　　14. Implementation of the "Norms for Solid Mineral Exploration Work"

　　The "Norms for Solid Mineral Exploration Work" was issued on... 2017 Year 7 Moon 1 Effective from the date of promulgation, this standard specifies the objectives and tasks, as well as the basic contents, of all activities involved in solid mineral exploration. It also sets forth the fundamental technical requirements for various exploration stages, mineral exploration design, geological mapping, heavy-mineral surveys, geophysical exploration, geochemical exploration, remote-sensing geological surveys, examination and evaluation of mineral occurrences, mineral exploration surveying, exploration engineering, sampling and sample preparation and testing, studies on mining technical conditions for ore deposits, research on processing and metallurgical performance of ores, resource reserve estimation, feasibility assessment, report preparation, and data submission.

　　Comment: The new standard has undergone extensive revisions in terms of content and is applicable to all stages of solid mineral exploration. It serves as one of the key bases for conducting various solid mineral exploration activities and for the acceptance of their results, and also acts as a technical guideline for the supervision and management of solid mineral exploration.

　　15. New breakthroughs achieved in uranium exploration in the Songliao Basin.

　　The No. 243 Team of the Nuclear Industry of China National Nuclear Corporation has achieved a new breakthrough in the exploration for sandstone-type uranium deposits in the southwestern part of the Songliao Basin, preliminarily identifying a sandstone uranium ore belt with a total length exceeding— 10 The deposit spans several kilometers, with significant and stable ore body thickness and relatively high uranium content per square meter, holding great potential to develop into a large-scale uranium deposit.

　　Comment: This represents another significant new mineral exploration breakthrough following the discovery of the Baolongshan medium-sized uranium deposit in the region, laying a solid resource foundation for the development of Tongliao as a major uranium mining base.

　　16. Jiangsu Draws Up a “Roadmap” for the Integration of Mining and Land Use

　　The Department of Natural Resources and Planning of Jiangsu Province has issued the "Opinions on Innovating the Integration of Mining and Land Resources," which for the first time defines the essence of "mining-land integration." According to these Opinions, Jiangsu will further integrate its system-wide advantageous resources, continuously expand the scope of geological and mineral resource management as well as land resource management, and actively develop a new model of mining-land integration that is aligned with the new mechanism for natural resource management—characterized by "protection, guarantee, and regulation"—to better support ecological civilization construction and sustainable economic and social development.

　　Comment: As the nation’s first set of guiding opinions on “mining-land integration,” this document will help promote the integration of geological and mineral resources with land resources in areas such as management philosophy, planning, investigation and assessment, comprehensive monitoring, resource development and utilization as well as protection, management services, technical methods and standards, and the commercialization of research findings and information services, thereby establishing a new mechanism for coordinated and mutually reinforcing mining-land integration.

　　17. A crystalline graphite deposit has been discovered in Gongcheng, Guangxi.

　　The project team for the “Investigation of Graphite Mineral Resources and Potential Assessment in Guangxi,” undertaken by the Guangxi Regional Geological Survey Institute, has discovered a crystalline graphite deposit in a certain area of Gongcheng County. The ore body is hosted within a fractured zone of medium-grained hornblende-biotite-quartz diorite belonging to the Huashan Complex Intrusion, and its length is controlled by the ore body. 520 Meters, with an average ore body thickness exceeding 5 The rice has a fixed carbon content that significantly exceeds industrial grades, and the flake size is generally... 0.1 Millimeter～ 7 Millimeters, with a maximum reach of 10 Millimeter-sized, high-quality graphite with large flake structure.

　　Comment: Since the last century, geological, metallurgical, coal, petrochemical, and building materials exploration teams have conducted graphite prospecting efforts in Guangxi, but none have achieved breakthroughs. The recent discovery of this graphite deposit holds significant potential for boosting the development of Guangxi’s emerging materials industries, such as graphene.

　　18. The Zaxikang integrated exploration area achieves a breakthrough in beryllium exploration.

　　Through research and preliminary engineering studies, the Cuo Na Dong area in the southern part of the Zaxikang integrated exploration zone could hold beryllium resources on a large to superlarge scale. Tin and tungsten also show great potential for large-scale mineral exploration. The central segment of the Himalayan Belt similarly holds promising prospects for beryllium, tin, and tungsten exploration.

　　Comment: This mineral exploration achievement is of great significance for substantially boosting China's reserves of beryllium resources and effectively reducing the country's reliance on foreign sources of beryllium. It will also fundamentally reshape geologists' traditional understanding of ore-forming processes in the Himalayan belt. We believe that with further increased financial investment and intensified exploration efforts, it will be possible to develop the Zaxikang beryllium-tin-tungsten polymetallic resource base.

　　19. A rare-earth mine has been discovered in Zaozhuang, Shandong.

　　The Shandong Provincial Institute of Geophysical and Geochemical Exploration, affiliated with the Shandong Provincial Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources, has discovered a rare-earth mineral deposit in Xuecheng District, Zaozhuang City. The estimated resource reserves of this deposit have reached— 43.5 Ten thousand tons—sampling and analysis of the total rare earth oxide content in 0.5%~1.62% Between, average grade 1.03% It has reached a medium-to-high industrial scale. This is the second rare-earth deposit discovered in Shandong Province.

　　Comment: Rare earth elements are strategic national resources. Since the founding of New China, Shandong Province has discovered only one rare earth deposit—in Xishan, Weishan County—and its reserves are relatively small. If new rare earth resources can be found in this region, it will provide richer evidence for the exploration of scarce resources in Shandong Province.

　　20. Anhui Province Discovers Diamond Deposit for the First Time

　　By conducting geophysical and geochemical surveys, drilling, shaft exploration, shallow well drilling, sampling and testing, and ore dressing operations, the Lan’gan area in Suzhou City, Anhui Province... - In the Chu Lan area, a strongly weathered residual diamond placer deposit has been preliminarily identified and delineated. 2 Furthermore, it has been roughly determined that the host rocks containing native diamonds in this area primarily include diabase, olivine basalt, basaltic breccia lava, and volcanic breccia. This marks the first discovery of diamond mineral resources within Anhui Province, filling a gap in the province’s mineral resource inventory regarding diamond deposits.

　　Comment: In the history of diamond exploration both domestically and internationally, the traditional types of primary diamond deposits have primarily been categorized into two major groups: kimberlite-type and lamproite-type. As for Lan’gan in Suzhou City... - The diamond survey in the Chulan area marked the first discovery of diamond minerals in diabase bedrock and in highly weathered zones, and it also delineated areas within the highly weathered zone of the diabase. 2 The industrial diamond deposit of strongly weathered residual origin represents a significant breakthrough in the theory of diamond exploration.

　　21. Editing and Publishing "Chongqing's Geological Firsts"

　　“Chongqing’s Geological Firsts” has been published; the book is authored by the Chongqing Municipal Bureau of Geology and Exploration. 208 A series of geological popular science books edited and published by the Hydrogeological and Engineering Geology Team. The book is divided into seven major sections: typical landforms within Chongqing, paleontology, hydrogeology, geological hazards, mineral geology, basic geology, and other categories. It features selected... 103 The Most Remarkable Geological Features of Chongqing—richly illustrated with both text and images, and written in a straightforward, easy-to-understand style.

　　Commentary: Chongqing Municipal Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources 208 The Hydrogeological and Engineering Geology Team has consistently served as a model for science communication efforts. To enhance the impact of their science outreach, they sent representatives to participate in the Chongqing and national science communication competitions. Their geological educational film, "The Past and Present of Chongqing's Geological Evolution," was broadcast on Chongqing TV’s “China Stories” program and has received positive social feedback.

　　22. A super-large rubidium polymetallic deposit has been discovered in Linwu.

　　The “Rubi Multi-Metal Ore Prospecting Project in the Shanmuxi Mining Area, Linwu County, Hunan Province,” undertaken by the First Team of the Hunan Provincial Nonferrous Geological Exploration Bureau, has discovered a granite body in this mining area. ( pulse ) Rubi-bearing ore bodies, including marble–skarnized hydrothermal fillings and replacement-type rubidium, tungsten-tin, and fluorite ore bodies along the contact zone between igneous bodies and host rocks—also, for the first time in the Shidengzi Formation’s interlayer fracture zones within the mining area, stratiform orogenic (orogenic) realgar deposits have been discovered. Preliminary estimates of rubidium resource reserves are provided. 10 Ten thousand tons, resources of realgar ore 3 Ten thousand tons.

　　Comment: This project represents another significant mineral exploration breakthrough for the team in the Xianghualing area, following their earlier successes—including the Xianghualing successor resource exploration and the preliminary survey of the Paojinshan tin-polymetallic deposit—over recent years.

　　23. Heilongjiang Province Achieves New Breakthroughs in Green Exploration Technology

　　The “steel-core drilling rig and a new green construction method capable of replacing trench exploration,” independently developed by the Heilongjiang Provincial Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources, have received full recognition and high praise from experts. The “steel-core retrieval system” has overcome the challenge of core recovery in small-angle drilling, while the “single-platform all-round multi-hole stable construction system” has achieved environmentally friendly, efficient, and high-performance drilling operations.

　　Comment: This technology represents a significant breakthrough by using drilling to replace trenching. After further refining the horizontal drilling techniques and economic standards, it can be widely adopted and implemented, greatly boosting the prospects for new geological exploration breakthroughs in forested areas.

　　24. Guangxi Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources Establishes an Academician Workstation

　　The "Academician Workstation" of the Guangxi Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources has been established. It will conduct in-depth research on major fundamental geological issues in Guangxi, the ore-forming patterns of key mineral species in Guangxi's important metallogenic belts, deep-sea mineral exploration, as well as soil geochemistry related to heavy metals and selenium elements in Guangxi.

　　Comment: This marks a new step taken by the Guangxi Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources in its cooperation among industry, academia, and research. The establishment of the academician workstation will continuously advance the Guangxi Bureau’s strategic goal of achieving breakthroughs in mineral exploration and make even greater contributions to Guangxi’s economic and social development.

　　25. The Ministry of Natural Resources’ Key Laboratory for “Three Rare” Elements Officially Opens in Wuhan

　　The Key Laboratory for Exploration and Comprehensive Utilization of Rare Earth, Rare, and Dispersed Mineral Resources of the Ministry of Natural Resources is dedicated to: 96 The project has passed the construction and acceptance inspection. The laboratory focuses on two key research areas: the compositional characteristics of rare earth, rare, and dispersed elements, as well as analytical methods and applications for these elements. By undertaking various national and provincial-level projects, the laboratory has carried out pioneering and innovative research, achieving significant progress and demonstrating excellent practical results with notable economic and social benefits.

　　Comment: Strengthening the construction of science and technology innovation platforms and continuously promoting scientific and technological innovation in geological exploration units are inevitable requirements for the economic transformation and development of geological exploration under the new circumstances. The Key Laboratory for Rare Earth, Rare and Dispersed Mineral Exploration and Comprehensive Utilization of the Ministry of Natural Resources will focus on producing impactful and innovative research outcomes in areas such as geological prospecting and geological environment in Hubei Province, and strive to achieve further breakthroughs in boosting Hubei’s geological and mineral economy and implementing strategic actions for geological exploration.

　　26. The Qinghai Bureau and the Sichuan Bureau Sign a Strategic Cooperation Agreement.

　　The Qinghai Provincial Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources and the Sichuan Provincial Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources have signed a strategic cooperation framework agreement. Both sides will actively promote extensive cooperation in major geological service areas, including geological surveys, exploration and development of mineral resources, geology for people's livelihoods, disaster geology, ecological geology, hydrogeology, environmental geology, engineering geology, urban geology, tourism geology, and land quality surveys.

　　Comment: The two organizations share similar development histories, job characteristics, management approaches, and governance structures. During this critical period of major transformation in the geological industry, the difficulties and challenges they face are also broadly comparable. This collaboration represents a partnership built on friendship, standing at a new historical juncture for the geological industry, where both sides will support each other and overcome these tough times together. It marks a new starting point for mutual complementation of strengths, information sharing, and mutually beneficial cooperation—a collaboration of great significance.

　　27. Natural gas hydrates have become the ... 173 A mineral species

　　11 Moon 16 On [date], the Ministry of Natural Resources held a press conference in Beijing and announced that a new mineral resource—natural gas hydrates—has been approved by the State Council, making natural gas hydrates the [number]th mineral resource to be officially recognized in China. 173 A type of mineral.

　　Comment: The State Council has approved the inclusion of natural gas hydrates as a new mineral resource, thereby establishing their legal status. This move will greatly propel China's exploration and development of natural gas hydrates into a new stage of development.

　　28. Gansu Zhangye Achieves Major Breakthrough in Deep Geothermal Exploration

　　11 Moon 9 day ~10 On [date], the Gansu Provincial Geological Exploration Fund Management Center organized an acceptance team to conduct a field acceptance of the “Survey of Geothermal Resources in Zhangye City and Its Surrounding Areas,” a project submitted by the Hydrogeological and Engineering Geological Survey Institute of the Gansu Provincial Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources. The acceptance team concluded that the geothermal exploration efforts in Zhangye City and its surrounding areas have yielded remarkable results, marking the most significant geothermal prospecting achievement to date in Gansu Province.