Abstract: At 2016 At the mining exhibition area of the China International Mining Conference, a team made its debut on this stage and immediately caught the attention of leaders from the Ministry of Natural Resources and other attendees. They are representatives from all over the country. 20 A group of grassroots geological exploration units brought their respective “treasures” to exchange and showcase their exploration results, while also engaging in on-site discussions and negotiations with various investment and financing institutions, mining funds, and mining enterprises. As mining rights holders participating independently for the first time at the Mining Conference, they have both expectations, gains, and insights.

9 Moon 23 In the morning, 2016 Shortly after the opening ceremony of the China International Mining Conference, Minister of Natural Resources Jiang Daming, Vice Minister Cao Weixing, and Chief Engineer Peng Qiming successively visited the mining expo exhibition area. This exhibition area further enhances and highlights the mining rights trading zone by showcasing concrete examples of achievements in mine exploration and mining projects, new technologies and equipment for mineral resource development, large and small-scale mining machinery, precision instruments, as well as core samples and mineral specimens from major projects. 20 In front of the booths showcasing the work of grassroots geological exploration teams from across the country, leaders from various ministries and departments stopped to take a closer look and asked detailed questions about the exhibits and the achievements of geological exploration. Chief Engineer Peng Qiming even visited each booth one by one, carefully examining the information displayed at every stand. The attention and concern shown by the ministry leaders greatly cheered and inspired these grassroots geologists.

Original intention—

The active geospatial exploration market has turned the pilot project into a standout success.

It is understood that this exhibition and exchange of geological exploration results is organized and led by the Geological Exploration Association of the China Mining Association. Tian Yuming, Secretary-General of the Geological Exploration Association of the China Mining Association, told reporters that in recent years, the mining economy has been sluggish and is now hovering at a low level, significantly impacting many geological exploration units. How to boost their enthusiasm and invigorate the geological exploration market has become a key issue for the Geological Exploration Association to consider. Mineral rights holders are the most fundamental units in the geological exploration industry; only when these basic units become active can the entire geological exploration market flourish. With this in mind, the Geological Exploration Association plans to focus on mineral rights holders themselves, helping them leverage their mineral rights through market-oriented revitalization—and the annual Mining Conference provides an ideal opportunity to do just that.

Therefore, the Geological Exploration Association has sought guidance from the Ministry of Natural Resources and the China Mining Association, hoping to select grassroots geological exploration member units in certain provinces as pilot sites to participate independently in the Mining Conference. Subsequently, the Geological Exploration Association, together with relevant organizations, established a research team and first drew a sample of... 8 several provinces (and cities), starting from the ground up, conducted surveys of various sectors and institutions—including provincial departments of land and resources, geological exploration bureaus, metallurgical bureaus, and nuclear industry bureaus. After... 2 After more than a month of research, they ultimately selected from among the sixty to seventy member organizations that had signed up. 20 The geological exploration unit at home is in 2016 At the China International Mining Conference, mining rights holders promoted their mining rights and sought to commercialize them, aiming to seize opportunities in the operation of these rights. In addition to participating in the exhibition and engaging in exchanges, the geological exploration associations also distributed their materials to relevant funds and major banks, thereby seeking potential collaboration opportunities.

Thus, we see that the independent exhibits from frontline geological exploration units—as well as their vivid geological exploration results and specimens—have become a highlight of this year’s mining conference.

Feeling——

Absorb new ideas and showcase new discoveries on industry platforms.

Shaanxi Land & Resources Hanyuan Jade Industry Co., Ltd. is 20 It is the only exhibitor at the home showcase that specializes in jade products and craftsmanship. As a directly affiliated subsidiary of Shaanxi Provincial Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources, the company’s primary business is jade, complemented by geological exploration, mineral resource development, and other related industries. Currently, its main jade resources fall into four major categories: serpentine jade, diopside jade, tremolite jade, and idocrase jade. Among these, serpentine jade accounts for the largest share, with Jinxiang jade being its flagship product. This type of jade not only boasts a rich variety of colors but also emits a delightful fragrance.

Hanzhong jade is a new variety of jade in the jade industry. This marks the company’s second time participating in the Mining Conference. At this year’s exhibition, they showcased their raw stones, finished products, and processing procedures. “We hope to further expand its influence through this exhibition—this is the most critical goal,” said Yang Xizang, Marketing Manager of the company. After several days at the conference, he shared many insights about the event. He told reporters that the conference provided an excellent opportunity to showcase and learn about their craftsmanship, mining methods, and equipment. Many industry experts attended the Mining Conference and offered valuable, rational insights into jade technology and its development. Only by participating in such industry exhibitions can companies identify their own shortcomings, absorb fresh ideas and perspectives, and bring their technologies to maturity.

At the exhibition area, the Shandong Coalfield Geological Planning and Exploration Research Institute focused on showcasing its significant discovery of iron-rich ore deposits and the integrated application of geophysical exploration technologies. Previously, during their coal exploration efforts in the Qihe-Yucheng region of Shandong, they discovered a karst-type, magnetite-rich ore body beneath coal seams—a prime example of “mining within mines.” This breakthrough represents a major advancement in exploration concepts and methodologies, as well as a significant step forward in land and resource science and technology. During the conference, Peng Qiming, Chief Engineer of the Ministry of Natural Resources; Zhong Ziran, Director of the China Geological Survey; and Wang Yan, Deputy Director of the China Geological Survey, all visited the institute’s booth to offer their greetings. Many visitors repeatedly exclaimed, “I always thought rich iron ore deposits existed only in foreign countries—never imagined China had them too!” Zhou Minglei, Director of the Geophysical Information Office at the institute, told reporters that numerous prospective partners showed great interest in the project’s grade, burial depth, and development potential. Several mining companies, exploration firms, and equipment suppliers have expressed intentions to collaborate on investment and joint development.

The Northwest Geological Exploration Institute of the China National Metallurgical Geology Bureau has attended the Mining Congress almost every year. This year, they are exhibiting independently, showcasing high-quality projects that highlight their own achievements in mineral rights exploration. Xu Weidong, the institute’s director, said: “All of our mineral rights projects are funded entirely by our own resources, and we continue to invest in them annually.” 800 An investment of 10,000 yuan. This time, we had the opportunity to showcase our own achievements independently, and this format was highly inspiring for us. In the past, we’d always come to see what others were doing; this year, for the first time, it was we who were being observed by others. We also reaped significant benefits from this exhibition—many major mining companies expressed interest in collaborating with us.

Harvest—

In communication, learning, and collaboration, we can learn from each other's strengths and make up for our weaknesses, achieving complementary advantages.

The Northwest Nonferrous Geological Research Institute, based in Xi'an and affiliated with the Northwest Nonferrous Geology and Mining Group, is the largest comprehensive geological and mineral resource exploration institution in China’s northwest region. It integrates geological exploration, remote-sensing geological surveys, testing and analysis, beneficiation and metallurgical experiments, and instrument R&D into a single entity. As a “time-honored” player in China’s geological exploration industry, the Northwest Nonferrous Geological Research Institute has participated in mining conferences every year. However, this year marks its first time exhibiting independently.

Why 18 “Have you been attending every year for the past several years?” “Because we’ve tasted the benefits!” Feng Yuhuai, director of the Northwest Institute of Nonferrous Geological Research, told reporters. “This is a comprehensive platform that provides an in-depth understanding of the integration of international mining, geological exploration, and mining development—it’s packed with valuable information. Attending each year has been tremendously helpful for us. Especially in the early years, when domestic mining development wasn’t yet robust and our integration with the international community was still shallow, we urgently needed a window to grasp global development trends—and this platform happened to offer just that opportunity. At the conference, we first gain a wealth of insights into international developments, and then, upon returning home, we carefully organize and analyze the relevant materials. The gains have been truly substantial. We pay close attention to this platform and simply must participate.”

Feng Yuhuai also told reporters that the Mining Conference platform has been of great help to them, particularly in three key areas: First, communication. No industry can afford to work in isolation; mutual exchange is essential. Only by actively interacting with peers can businesses uncover new opportunities. The Mining Conference provides an outstanding platform for such exchanges—and the larger its scale, the greater its potential for networking. Second, learning. Over the course of the few-day conference, they gather a wealth of materials and information, which they then take back home to reflect upon, study, and further their own learning. Although the conference is held only once a year, the content varies each time. Especially in the realm of technology, where developments are rapid, there are always new advancements in the areas they focus on every year. At the same time, through this platform, they learn from the strengths of their peers, compare themselves against others to identify gaps, and set benchmarks for their own progress. Whether it’s domestic or international peers, they pay close attention to what issues these peers are focusing on. Third, seeking collaboration opportunities and partnerships. The Northwest Institute of Nonferrous Geology is a research-oriented enterprise that emphasizes project-driven business activities and ultimately aims to connect with actual enterprises. Thus, it’s crucial for both sides to understand each other’s strengths and complement one another’s advantages, ultimately translating these insights into concrete projects and providing tailored support for projects at different levels.

The reporter observed that the Northwest Institute of Nonferrous Geology attaches great importance to this platform. The leadership team, technical experts, and department heads have traveled long distances to participate in the exhibition. They’ve also brought along abundant documentation and cutting-edge technological equipment. “Today, with overcapacity prevailing, many traditional products can no longer adapt to the new situation. We must upgrade and replace them to gain a competitive edge and ensure sustainable development. Even time-honored brands with a century of history need to become stronger; otherwise, they’ll be at the mercy of market fluctuations. That’s why maintaining a competitive advantage is absolutely essential.” Although it’s a well-established name in the geological exploration industry, Feng Yuhuai remains keenly aware of the risks posed by the complex market environment.

Also reaping many benefits is Lian Guojian, chief engineer of Shandong Zhengyuan Geological Resource Exploration Co., Ltd. He told reporters that the geological exploration results showcased at this exhibition were abundant, greatly enriching his understanding of geology and providing him with insights into a wide variety of business types. They’ve made numerous connections with mining enterprises and peer organizations, and have engaged in further discussions with them. At the same time, many mining companies and geological exploration firms have reached out to them, opening up plenty of opportunities for future collaboration.

Growth—

The awareness of high-quality products has significantly increased, and interactions between domestic and international players have become deeper and more concrete.

Every year, Feng Yuhuai attends the Mining Conference and has keenly felt the changes taking place there. He says that given the ongoing downturn in the mining industry, he had expected the conference to be somewhat quieter. However, the reality turned out to be quite different. He noticed that each exhibiting company was showcasing its own unique achievements, equipment, or technologies—changes that clearly align with the broader market trends. In his view, this reflects a growing awareness within the industry: for companies to achieve long-term growth, they must develop their own distinctive, cutting-edge, and highly sophisticated innovations. At the same time, everyone is paying closer and more in-depth attention to their international counterparts, particularly in areas such as ecological protection, legal matters, financing, cultural aspects, and community engagement. Although these topics have been of interest in previous years, the level of focus and detail this year is unprecedented—and they are precisely the kinds of areas that warrant our dedicated study and research. The domestic and international markets and resources must be closely interconnected; especially along the Belt and Road initiative, many countries possess high-quality resources, which will undoubtedly present significant opportunities for cooperation and expansion in the future.

Lian Guojian and Xu Weidong observed even more concrete changes. They believe that this year, with grassroots geological exploration units able to participate independently in the exhibition, they can better highlight the operational units’ philosophies. Such specific presentations of achievements are more conducive to communication and ultimately lead to the implementation of concrete projects. Geological exploration units are primary production entities and can communicate directly with many mines.

Transformation—

The market is compelling companies to reduce costs and improve efficiency—this presents both challenges and opportunities.