Draw up a “roadmap” and a “timetable” for technological innovation.

　　Building a modern energy system, strengthening water security guarantees, promoting coordinated regional development, accelerating the improvement of the ecological environment, expanding the scope of the blue economy, addressing global climate change, and making all-out efforts to eradicate poverty—these goals set forth by the nation place higher demands on science and technology work related to land and resources during the 13th Five-Year Plan period.

　　To better safeguard and support economic and social development during the 13th Five-Year Plan period, in April 2016, the Ministry of Natural Resources officially issued the "Outline of the 13th Five-Year Plan for Natural Resources," clearly defining the guiding principles and key objectives for natural resource work over the next five years. The plan emphasizes harnessing innovation to inject new momentum into the development of natural resources and strengthening science and technology-driven innovation in this field.

　　In September 2016, the Ministry of Natural Resources issued the “Thirteenth Five-Year Plan for Science and Technology Innovation in Natural Resources,” outlining a science and technology innovation strategy centered on advancing into the deep Earth. This strategy calls for the comprehensive implementation of a “four-in-one” approach encompassing deep-earth exploration, deep-sea exploration, deep-space Earth observation, and land engineering technology. The plan proposes that during the 13th Five-Year Period, the main focus and breakthrough areas should be the deep Earth, deep sea, and deep space, with the aim of establishing a new strategic framework for natural resource science and technology that focuses on advancing into the deep Earth, expanding into deep-sea environments, and conducting deep-space Earth observation.

　　On September 1, 2016, the Ministry of Natural Resources issued the "Several Opinions on Accelerating the Promotion of Scientific and Technological Innovation," clearly outlining a three-step strategic goal for scientific and technological innovation in the field of natural resources by 2020, 2030, and 2050. The overall goal for scientific and technological innovation in natural resources during the 13th Five-Year Plan period is to bring the country’s innovative capabilities in strategic scientific and technological areas—such as deep-earth exploration, deep-sea exploration, and deep-space Earth observation—to the forefront among advanced nations; significantly enhance the level of land-related science and technology; take substantive steps toward comprehensive scientific and technological management; unleash vibrant innovation; and make scientific and technological innovation a key driving force behind the development of natural resource endeavors, thereby providing strong support for achieving the development goals set forth in the 13th Five-Year Plan for natural resources.

　　On September 5, 2016, the National Conference on Scientific and Technological Innovation in the Land and Resources System was solemnly held in Beijing. The conference sounded a resounding call for scientific and technological innovation in land and resources during the new era, clearly stating that, in response to major national needs, we must fully implement the “Three Deep and One Soil” strategy for scientific and technological innovation in land and resources.

　　To strengthen and standardize the commercialization of scientific and technological achievements, on October 1, 2016, the Ministry of Natural Resources issued the "Provisional Measures for Promoting the Commercialization of Scientific and Technological Achievements," which aims to improve the evaluation system for scientific and technological achievements, promote the delegation of authority over the use, disposal, and revenue rights of such achievements, protect the legitimate earnings of scientific and technological personnel from achievement commercialization, enhance the role of standardization in facilitating the commercialization of scientific and technological achievements, and establish a reporting system for the commercialization of scientific and technological achievements.

　　Reaching for the skies, delving into the earth, exploring the seas, and scaling new heights—China’s land and resource science and technology is making strides in multiple cutting-edge international fields.

　　“Reaching for the skies, delving into the earth, exploring the seas, and scaling the heights”—in 2016, China’s land and resource science and technology focused on multiple cutting-edge fields at the international forefront, yielding a series of original, pioneering theoretical achievements and core technologies.

　　“Shangtian” advances deep-space Earth observation.

　　On May 30, China’s first high-resolution stereoscopic mapping satellite—Resource-3 No. 02—was successfully launched from the launch site. Together with Resource-3 No. 01, the two satellites have formed an operational observation constellation, marking the first time that China has independently operated a dual-satellite network for civilian stereoscopic mapping. This constellation will provide services to a wide range of sectors, including land and resource surveys and monitoring, disaster prevention and mitigation, agriculture, forestry, water conservancy, ecological environment, urban planning and construction, and major national projects.

　　The high-score application integrated information service sharing platform has been launched and is now operational, enabling seamless interconnection with data and application centers from 11 sectors including land and resources and environmental protection. It provides online services for users both domestically and internationally.

　　China has unveiled its first new geologic exploration remote sensing system—a space-ground integrated system with independent intellectual property rights—that enables the application of massive hyperspectral data in the field of land and resource management.

　　The Chang'e-3 mission has achieved several groundbreaking scientific results, including the completion of the first lunar geological profile map and the first-ever all-sky survey of celestial bodies. Research has confirmed that the Moon is devoid of water, and many of these findings represent world firsts.

　　“Entering the Earth”—advancing into the deep interior of our planet.

　　China has launched a special research initiative for the exploration and exploitation of deep-earth resources. The first batch of projects in 2016 focuses on five key areas: the deep structure and controlling factors of ore-forming systems; theories and predictions for the evaluation of deep-seated mineral resources; technologies and equipment for three-dimensional deep-probing and demonstration of deep mineral exploration; theories and technologies for the extraction of deep-earth mineral resources; and theories and evaluation techniques for the formation of ultra-deep oil and gas resources in new strata.

　　The continental shelf scientific drilling project in the southern Yellow Sea has reached a depth of 2,000 meters, revealing for the first time the base of the Quaternary System in the Yellow Sea and establishing a standard sequence stratigraphic framework for the Mesozoic strata in the southern Yellow Sea. This work has reconstructed the sedimentary and tectonic environments of the southern Yellow Sea and shed light on the petroleum geologic processes in the region.

　　A new diamond drill bit has been introduced, adding a powerful tool to deep-earth engineering. Its lifespan has doubled, and its drilling efficiency has improved by 30%, making it the latest cutting-edge tool for carrying out deep-earth projects.

　　"Going to the sea"—expanding into the deep-sea space.

　　“Mud pits” have been discovered on the seafloor in the northern and western parts of China’s South China Sea, primarily concentrated along the continental shelf near the slope break zone and on the continental slope. An unprecedentedly large distribution area of “combustible ice” has been identified in China’s South China Sea and named the “Seahorse Cold Seep.” This discovery further confirms the widespread distribution of natural gas hydrates within China’s jurisdictional waters and underscores their enormous resource potential. China has completed a 1:250,000-scale geological survey of the marine areas encompassing the Fuzhou and Putian quadrants in the southern waters, filling a gap in China’s efforts to conduct medium-scale geological surveys of marine regions in this area.

　　The "Geological and Geophysical Atlas of the South China Sea (1:2 million)" has been published, systematically identifying for the first time the names of more than 200 iconic geographical features on the seabed of the South China Sea, including seamounts and canyons. The "Catalogue of Geographical Entities on the Deep Seabed of China’s Oceans (2016)" has also been released, filling a gap in China’s work on naming geographical entities in international waters.

　　A new tool has been added to the exploration of marine gas hydrates—the ocean-controlled-source electromagnetic detection system has been successfully developed, which will effectively enhance China’s capability in exploring marine gas hydrate resources.

　　“Ascension,” strengthening polar observation and research.

　　The “Ocean Six” made its first-ever voyage to the Southern Hemisphere to carry out a deep-sea resource survey mission. For the first time, Chinese scientists have mapped the lithospheric structure of the Antarctic Plate and discovered a “low-temperature anomaly” beneath the Southwest Antarctic Peninsula, where the Great Wall Station is located.

　　Strengthen basic research, build an innovative talent pool, and establish a dynamic, open, and multi-level platform for scientific and technological innovation.

　　Basic research has achieved multiple breakthroughs. China has made new progress in mineral resource classification studies, providing shared resources and crucial foundational support for national scientific research and technological development. After eight years of work and with the participation of over a hundred experts, the first volume of “China Mineral Geology Atlas—Jiangxi Volume” has been published. The compilation of “Atlas of Rare and Strategic Resources at Home and Abroad” has been completed. An atlas of results from the nationwide gravity survey of oil and gas resources has also been finalized. The fifth-generation “China Seismic Ground Motion Parameter Zonation Map” has been officially implemented.

　　Chinese scientists have made significant progress in fundamental research in paleontology, a field where China has long enjoyed traditional strengths. A fossil of an animal embryo exhibiting typical discoidal cleavage characteristics has been discovered in the Wengan Biota of the Ediacaran Period. From the Jehol Biota, the bird species "Zheng's Zhongming Bird" has "taken flight," and a new member, the "Jehol Rhamphorhynchus," has been added to its roster. In Lufeng Town, Yunnan Province, fossils of dinosaur swimming tracks have been unearthed—currently, only a handful of such fossils have been found worldwide. Moreover, China has discovered the world’s earliest fossil of a herbaceous flowering plant, named "Boda Jurassic Grass."

　　Progress has been made in informationization efforts. China has established a geographic national conditions database and a core database for oil and gas resources. Additionally, China has built a spatial database covering 3,889 mineral deposits both domestically and internationally, as well as a database of results from the “Three Rare” resource surveys. These databases are of great significance for future surveys and resource management of China’s “Three Rare” resources. China’s first “Geological Cloud”—the Altyn Metallogenic Belt “Geological Cloud”—has been successfully developed.

　　Deepen cooperation between China and countries around the world in the field of Earth sciences, and establish a dynamic, open, and multi-level platform for scientific and technological innovation. The UNESCO International Research Center for Geochemistry at the Global Scale has been established in Langfang, Hebei Province. The center will be dedicated to enhancing the global level of geochemical surveys and research, thereby supporting sustainable development of global resources and the environment. The unveiling ceremony was held for the China-Africa Joint Laboratory for International Cooperation on Mine Spatial Geographic Information. The China Geological Survey’s Research Center for Geoscientific Cooperation with Latin America and Oceania, as well as the Research Center for Geoscientific Cooperation in Northeast Asia, have also been established.

　　We will strengthen the development of science and technology innovation platforms and establish a number of national or ministerial key laboratories in multiple fields. The China Geological Survey and the Qingdao Municipal Government are jointly building an oceanic geological survey and research & development platform, which holds significant practical importance for supporting the construction of Qingdao’s Blue Valley and serving the development of the blue economy. The Key Laboratories—namely, the Key Laboratory for Ground Subsidence Monitoring and Prevention under the Ministry of Natural Resources, the Key Laboratory for Geological Environment Monitoring Technology, the Key Laboratory for Karst Ecosystems and Rock Desertification Control, the Key Laboratory for Resource and Environmental Carrying Capacity Assessment, the Key Laboratory for Coal Resource Exploration and Comprehensive Utilization, the Key Laboratory for Ground Fissure and Geo-hazard Studies, the Key Laboratory for Karst Environment and Geo-hazards, and the Key Laboratory for Geological Information Technology—have been officially unveiled one after another. These laboratories will vigorously carry out high-level basic and innovative research in the field of natural resources, providing crucial scientific and technological support for natural resource planning, management, protection, rational utilization, and evidence-based decision-making.

　　We will vigorously cultivate talent in scientific and technological innovation and accelerate the building of an innovative talent pool. Professor Cheng Qiuming from China University of Geosciences has been elected as the new President of the International Union of Geological Sciences. Academician Zhou Zhonghe has been awarded the Ho Leung Ho Lee Prize for Scientific and Technological Progress. Two professionals from the land and resources system have been selected as leading talents under the “Hundred, Thousand, Ten Thousand” Talent Program, and five more have been included in the second batch of leading talents under the national “Ten Thousand Talents Program.” A total of 79 individuals have been selected for the second batch of the Land and Resources High-Level Innovative Science and Technology Talent Cultivation Project. The innovative team for agricultural land quality and monitoring has been included in the Land and Resources Science and Technology Innovation Team Cultivation Program.

　　Breakthroughs in mineral exploration highlight our capacity to ensure resource security, and technological innovation will drive resource conservation and efficient utilization.

　　2016 marked the concluding year of the second phase of the Mineral Exploration Breakthrough Strategic Initiative. Data show that the “358” Mineral Exploration Breakthrough Strategic Initiative has successfully completed the objectives and tasks of its first two phases, becoming the five-year period with the largest increase in newly discovered resource reserves since the founding of New China. In 2016, the Mineral Exploration Breakthrough Strategic Initiative fully achieved the targets set for its first two phases; gold, lead, zinc, nickel, tungsten, and molybdenum—all six mineral types—completed their 10-year exploration targets ahead of schedule.

　　Technological innovation has spurred multiple major breakthroughs in geological exploration and mineral discovery. In Gaize County, Ali Prefecture, Tibet, China’s first porphyry–epithermal low-temperature hydrothermal deposit of tens of millions of tons—the Tiegelongnan copper (gold and silver) deposit—has been discovered. The predicted prospective copper resources exceed 15 million tons, further enriching the mineralization series of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. In Chifeng, Inner Mongolia, a large-scale tin-rich deposit has been identified, with proven tin metal reserves exceeding 83,700 tons in category 333 or higher, holding promise for establishing China’s third major tin resource production base. In the Lingnan mining district of Shandong, progress has been made in deep exploration, resulting in the submission of a super-large gold deposit with nearly 60 tons of gold resources, significantly advancing the “Jiaojia-style” gold mineralization theory. In Hubei, breakthroughs have been achieved in niobium-gold exploration, with predicted niobium resources surpassing one million tons and reaching large-scale or even super-large levels. In Pingjiang, Hunan, a large-scale tantalum-niobium deposit has been discovered, classified as large to super-large in scale, with ore grades among the highest ever recorded globally for similar deposits. In Xinjiang, a world-class, ultra-large lead-zinc deposit has been found, containing lead and zinc metals totaling 18.9496 million tons. In Sichuan’s Jiamika area, another breakthrough has been made, adding 885,500 tons of lithium oxide resources, elevating the deposit to super-large status. In Kaiyang, Guizhou, phosphate rock deposits have been discovered, with reserves totaling 820 million tons—a rare achievement in China’s phosphate exploration efforts in recent years. In Jiangxi’s Zhuxi, an ultra-large tungsten-copper deposit has been found, with proven tungsten resources amounting to 2.86 million tons, setting a new global record. In Guizhou, a super-large manganese deposit has been discovered, with reserves reaching 192 million tons, ranking first in Asia. In the Longzhou-Fusui integrated exploration area of Guangxi, bauxite resources totaling 138 million tons have been identified. In Meizhou, Guangdong, a pyrophyllite deposit has been discovered, with total resources reaching 1.97 million tons, nearing large-scale levels. In Tongren, Taoziping, Guizhou, a super-large manganese deposit has been submitted for registration, with reserves totaling 106 million tons. Significant breakthroughs have also been made in exploration around the Lala copper mine, adding 640,000 tons of copper reserves. In Tongbai, Henan, the Laowan gold mine has had its lifespan extended by 80 years, with additional gold resources amounting to 100 tons.

　　The geological survey of oil and gas in the new district and new stratigraphic systems has yielded multiple significant achievements. Technological innovation has driven major breakthroughs in the exploration of oil, gas, and shale gas along the Yangtze River Economic Belt, identifying 10 prospective areas for shale gas exploration and selecting 14 promising exploration blocks. Major breakthroughs have also been made in shale gas and oil exploration in the complex geological structures of southern China. At Well Anye 1, operated by the China Geological Survey in Zheng'an County, Zunyi City, Guizhou Province, four distinct geological formations have yielded remarkable and groundbreaking results in shale gas and oil production, with a stable natural gas output exceeding 100,000 cubic meters per day. The trial gas production from Well Yongye 1HF in Chongqing has been successful, and the Rongchang-Yongchuan block where the well is located is poised to become Chongqing’s second shale gas block to achieve commercial development.

　　We have strengthened the research and development as well as the transformation and application of new technologies and methods, thereby overcoming numerous challenges in the exploitation and utilization of hard-to-process metallic ores. In Wushan and Qijiang, we have developed new processes, new equipment, and new reagents for the mining and processing of typical sedimentary hematite ores, which can unlock hundreds of millions of tons of previously underutilized hematite and siderite resources. We have also achieved efficient utilization of low-grade, difficult-to-select bauxite ores in Chongqing. In Yichun, Jiangxi Province, we have successfully implemented comprehensive development and utilization of lepidolite ore, enabling the stepwise and effective extraction of lithium, rubidium, and cesium resources. Furthermore, we have achieved success in the R&D of technology for preparing high-purity magnesium oxide from old brine extracted from the Lop Nur salt lake, which will contribute to the sustainable development of Lop Nur’s mineral resources.

　　Expand the scope of geological services, innovate poverty alleviation initiatives, and boost local economic development.

　　Carry out technological research and tackle key scientific and technological challenges; strengthen comprehensive geological surveys in ecologically fragile areas; and strive to transform resource advantages into economic ones, thereby supporting regional poverty alleviation efforts and ecological civilization development.

　　Expand the scope of geological services and vigorously promote green exploration and development of energy resources. Guangdong has completed a comprehensive assessment of its shallow geothermal resources; Xinjiang has discovered a medium-to-low temperature geothermal field; and Zhejiang has successfully drilled its first 5A-rated geothermal well. In Inner Mongolia’s Arshan, 29 natural mineral water springs have been identified; in the Qaidam Basin, 28 groundwater-rich areas have been delineated, with total recoverable resources amounting to 1.32 billion cubic meters annually, providing a reliable water supply for the circular economy pilot zone. In Wenling, Hainan, a new aquifer basin has been discovered, capable of meeting emergency water needs for 600,000 people. In the Yimeng Mountain area, 21 groundwater-rich zones have been identified, effectively resolving drinking water challenges for 44,000 people.

　　Geochemical survey results on land quality are serving precision poverty alleviation. According to the “China Geochemical Survey Report (2016)” released by the China Geological Survey, China’s surveys have identified 52.44 million mu of selenium-rich arable land. In 2016, Jinhua in Zhejiang Province designated 13,000 mu of selenium-rich land; the Qaidam Basin revealed 417 square kilometers of selenium-rich soil; Chizhou in Anhui Province confirmed over 1,000 square kilometers of selenium-rich soil; and Guangxi discovered 2,800 square kilometers of contiguous germanium-rich land. Furthermore, nine counties (districts), including Wuming County in Guangxi, were found to have 844.1 square kilometers of high-quality selenium-rich soil, providing a scientific basis for local land development and utilization, agricultural structural adjustment, the cultivation of specialty high-quality agricultural products, and targeted poverty alleviation efforts.

　　We are vigorously innovating poverty-alleviation measures and making every effort to support targeted poverty alleviation and precise poverty reduction. In 2016, the Ministry of Natural Resources launched 13 projects, including the “Geochemical Survey of Land Quality in the Karst Regions of Yunnan, Guizhou, and Guangxi.” The findings from these surveys will provide essential technical support for mineral resource development, geological environmental protection, and specialty agriculture in the rocky desertification areas of Yunnan, Guizhou, and Guangxi. The development of geoparks has emerged as a new vehicle for targeted poverty alleviation. Currently, China boasts 191 national geoparks and 33 global geoparks; among them, 80 national geoparks and 10 global geoparks are located in impoverished regions. In 2016, Shennongjia in Hubei Province was awarded the title of “World Natural Heritage Site,” bringing the total number of China’s World Heritage sites to 50.

　　Global climate change research has achieved several significant breakthroughs. The latest studies have found that the permafrost regions on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau serve as an important carbon reservoir, while the central region of the Pearl River basin boasts enormous potential for karst carbon sinks. The development of a conceptual model for carbon cycling in karst basins will help enhance China’s authoritative position in the measurement of karst carbon sinks. The third phase of the Sino-Australian CO₂ geological storage project has been launched, providing crucial support for the implementation of carbon capture in the Junggar Basin.

　　China has achieved significant progress in research on carbon emissions from land use. For the first time, a comprehensive assessment has been conducted on the impact of changes in China’s land-use types and land-management practices over the past two decades on carbon stocks in terrestrial ecosystems. This study provides a thorough examination of the carbon balance in China’s terrestrial ecosystems and can serve as a valuable decision-making reference and technical support for transforming land-use practices and promoting low-carbon development.

　　Looking toward the future, we will draw up grand visions, serve the construction of the Belt and Road Initiative, and implement major international science programs.

　　We must adhere to a global perspective in planning scientific and technological innovation, strengthen international scientific and technological exchanges and cooperation, promote the implementation of major international science programs, and enhance our voice in global resource allocation and the formulation of key rules.

　　Serving the construction of the Belt and Road Initiative: The 1:25 million-scale map of global marine mineral resources has been completed, and the 1:10 million-scale metallogenic map of Asia has been released. The map for Inner Mongolia’s Belt and Road Initiative construction has also been finalized, vividly illustrating the development blueprint for cross-border trade and transportation systems along the Silk Road Economic Belt. A catalog of physical geological data along the Belt and Road (within China) has been publicly released.

　　The international mega-science programs “Chemical Earth,” led by the China Geological Survey, and “Global Karst Dynamics System: Resource and Environmental Effects” have been launched and are now underway. These two international mega-science programs will respectively aim to elevate the global level of geochemical investigation and research, take the lead in coordinating international efforts to map the global geochemical elemental distribution, and enhance the development of karst resources and the protection of karst ecosystems. Both programs will contribute Chinese strength to advancing earth science and fostering harmonious coexistence between humanity and the Earth.

　　The national key R&D program project titled “Evolution of Stony Desertification in Karst Fault-Depression Basins and Integrated Management Technologies and Demonstration,” led by the Institute of Karst Geology of the China Geological Survey, has been approved and is set to commence. The project’s outcomes will ultimately provide recommendations and countermeasures for the comprehensive development and utilization of resources in stony desertification areas within fault-depression basins, as well as offer technical support for ecological restoration and targeted poverty alleviation in these regions.