[The Power of Role Models] Group (Bureau) Model Worker — Zhang Hailiang

Outstanding geophysical talent in Shandong Province’s geological exploration sector, outstanding geophysical talent of the China Chemical Geology And Mining Bureau, outstanding geophysical talent in the national geological exploration industry, “Young Skilled Worker” of the China Chemical Geology And Mining Bureau, “Young Skilled Worker” of the China Coal Geological Bureau, the first “Mingda Craftsman” of the Group (Bureau), and a “Model Worker for 2020–2021” of the Group (Bureau)… Since joining the workforce in 2011 to this day, Zhang Hailiang has steadily advanced on the path of geophysical exploration, driven by passion and achieving remarkable results.

His outstanding professional competence and meticulous, rigorous work ethic have earned Zhang Hailiang widespread recognition and acclaim; yet, despite his remarkable achievements, he harbors a personal aspiration and a unique understanding of what it means to be a model worker.

“The title of ‘Model Worker’ from the General Administration always feels a bit like a lifetime achievement award. For me, it carries considerable weight—I’m still relatively inexperienced, and my capabilities are quite limited; I truly feel unworthy of such recognition. That’s why this honor is by no means the end of my efforts,” said Zhang Hailiang. “Going forward, in both my work and personal life, I will cherish this distinction and continue to press ahead with determination.”

For Zhang Hailiang, the title of “Model Worker” is more than just an honor—it is a spirit. In his view, the essence of being a model worker evolves with the times, yet the Model Worker Spirit—“love one’s job and dedicate oneself to it; strive for excellence; work hard and forge ahead with courage; remain unattached to fame and fortune and be willing to make selfless contributions”—remains relevant at all times, never outdated, and worthy of promotion.

With more than a decade of service, Zhang Hailiang has worked across China’s vast landscapes and ventured abroad to countries including Thailand, Myanmar, and the United Arab Emirates. In his role as head of the geophysical exploration team, he has spearheaded over ten national- and provincial-level government-funded geological survey projects, as well as dozens of hydrogeological and environmental engineering investigations, earning several awards for outstanding geological reporting. Behind the applause and bouquets lies the unwavering dedication of geophysical professionals to the cause of geology.

The geological exploration industry is a demanding field. To pursue their dream of discovering mineral deposits, geoscientists often leave their families and loved ones behind, spending years working and living in the field—conditions that are exceptionally monotonous and arduous. It is widely acknowledged that geophysical exploration is among the most physically taxing specialties within the entire spectrum of geological‑exploration occupations, a reality that Zhang Hailiang knows all too well.

During the Cangyi–Lanling iron‑ore survey project, the magnetic‑method survey faced a tight schedule and heavy workloads. Zhang Hailiang and his team set out at 7 a.m. and worked until after 7 p.m., traversing mountains and crossing rugged terrain, even drilling through cornfields—covering more than 15 kilometers in a single day, to the point of exhaustion, with some members collapsing and vomiting. While conducting well logging at the Zhuoshan iron mine in Zaozhuang, in order to drill one additional well and generate more value for their organization, they clutched the probe and knelt, crawling from the valley floor up to mid‑mountain slopes; their work uniforms were worn to shreds, and blood streamed down their bodies. Yet such hardships were commonplace for Zhang Hailiang, who never once complained.

“I rarely take photos—I don’t think there’s much worth sharing with others. Though it’s exhausting, I’ve never felt overly burdened; this is my job, and doing it well is simply my duty—nothing more.”

From the primeval forests of the Greater Khingan Range in Northeast China to the vast Gobi Desert of Alashan, from the lofty mountain canopies of Yunnan and the tropical rainforests of Myanmar to the scorching sands of the UAE’s deserts—Zhang Hailiang’s steps are firm and resolute, his actions embodying the exceptional spirit of those dedicated to geophysical and geochemical exploration.

Zhang Hailiang believes that work requires not only hard work and perseverance, but also smart, strategic effort—being bold in innovation and constantly refining one’s approach to deliver high‑quality, meticulous results. In recent years, with the rapid advancement of big data, drones, and artificial intelligence, the geophysical exploration field has seen the emergence of numerous cutting‑edge technologies. As the saying goes, “To do a good job, one must first sharpen one’s tools”; state‑of‑the‑art equipment is the geophysicist’s indispensable weapon. Zhang Hailiang has consistently kept a close eye on technological developments within the industry, seizing every opportunity to attend technical seminars and training sessions. This past April and May, he participated successively in the Ninth Academic Conference of the Geophysical Technology Committee of the Chinese Geophysical Society—the Symposium on Full‑Domain Geophysical Exploration and Intelligent Sensing—and the Symposium on Seismic Frequency Resonance Technology, remaining vigilant and committed to learning about new advancements at all times.

While excelling in his professional duties, Zhang Hailiang has also remained committed to political and ideological study. Since the launch of the Party history study and education campaign, he has not only studied the prescribed textbooks but has also proactively read seminal works such as “A Spark Can Start a Prairie Fire” and “The Yan’an Spirit.” “By delving into these spiritual nourishments,” he says, “I have strengthened my inner resolve and solidified the foundation of my faith.” Zhang Hailiang believes that “with diligence, nothing is too difficult under heaven.” Whether it is professional work or ideological learning, both demand hard work and proactive dedication. Outstanding achievements in one’s career cannot be attained merely through idle contemplation or empty rhetoric; even the best ideas will yield no results unless they are translated into concrete actions—engaging one’s mind, heart, and hands, and cultivating with tireless effort. Only then can one reap fruitful outcomes.

As the saying goes, “You reap what you sow.” In Zhang Hailiang’s heart, the title of “Model Worker” belongs to every hardworking employee at Sinochem Shandong Institute. “This honor is not mine alone; it is shared by all my colleagues across every department who have tirelessly dedicated themselves to the institute’s success. To drive the institute’s growth, our leadership has demonstrated far-sighted vision and poured their heart and soul into their work, while our staff have remained steadfast in their duties, working with diligence and dedication—each and every one of them deserves recognition. I am merely here as a representative, receiving this commendation from the General Administration.”

Zhang Hailiang hopes that the young employees of Sinochem Shandong Institute will continue to carry forward and uphold the spirit of model workers, leveraging the strengths of youth by “learning while working and working while learning.” They should conscientiously and diligently perform their assigned duties, systematically summarize lessons learned from their work, humbly seek guidance from their seniors, continuously refine their working methods, and remain attentive and proactive—contributing through concrete actions to the continued growth and success of Sinochem Shandong Institute.