An official from the Department of Geological Exploration Management of the Ministry of Natural Resources provides an interpretation of the “Notice on Strengthening Basic Geological Survey Work.”

To thoroughly implement the spirit of General Secretary Xi Jinping’s series of important instructions and directives, as well as the major decisions and deployments of the CPC Central Committee and the State Council, and to fully carry out the requirements of the newly revised Mineral Resources Law and other relevant provisions, the Ministry of Natural Resources recently issued the “Notice on Strengthening Basic Geological Survey Work” (hereinafter referred to as the “Notice”). Why is it necessary to strengthen basic geological survey work? And in what areas will efforts be made going forward to establish a system of basic geological surveys that meets the demands of the new era? To address these questions, our reporter interviewed an official from the Department of Geological Exploration Management of the Ministry of Natural Resources.

I. Fully recognize the “foundational, public‑benefit‑oriented, and strategic” roles of basic geological survey work.

Answer: Basic geological surveying is an activity that employs scientific theories from geology, geophysics, geochemistry, and other disciplines, along with field reconnaissance, drilling, geophysical and geochemical exploration, analytical testing, remote sensing, and various other technical methods, to identify significant regional geological phenomena on both land and in marine areas, investigate their genesis, evolution, and underlying patterns, and, on this basis, produce relevant basic geological maps and datasets, thereby providing support for national economic development and social progress.

It can be said that basic geological surveying is an investigative and research endeavor aimed at “taking stock of the nation’s geological resources”; it serves as the foundation for all geological work and constitutes an essential prerequisite for such critical undertakings as mineral exploration, environmental protection, ecological restoration, disaster prevention and control, urban governance, and infrastructure development. Moreover, it provides vital support for territorial spatial planning and the implementation of major strategic initiatives, embodying a strong national will and a distinctly public‑interest orientation.

The CPC Central Committee and the State Council attach great importance to fundamental geological survey work. In 2006, the State Council issued the “Decision on Strengthening Geological Work,” which stated: “Fundamental geological surveys are the essential means for enhancing the level of national land‑use mapping. In key economic regions, major mineralization belts, and areas facing significant geological challenges, systematic regional geological, geophysical, geochemical, and remote‑sensing geological surveys should be conducted in accordance with multi‑objective, multidisciplinary, and multitechnology requirements, while establishing a mechanism for updating geological maps and data to provide society with efficient and timely geological information services.” Since the 18th National Congress of the CPC, General Secretary Xi Jinping has repeatedly issued important instructions and directives on areas directly supported by fundamental geological survey work, including ensuring energy and resource security, preventing and mitigating natural disasters, promoting ecological protection and restoration, and safeguarding maritime rights and interests. In recent years, the State Council has issued multiple documents setting forth clear requirements for promptly strengthening fundamental geological survey efforts.

Furthermore, the newly revised Mineral Resources Law, which came into effect on July 1, 2025, stipulates that “the State shall establish and improve a geological survey system, strengthen fundamental geological surveys, and provide basic geological data to support mineral resource exploration, exploitation, and conservation.” For the first time, this law elevates fundamental geological survey work to the level of a national strategy, transforming it from a responsibility of the natural resources authorities into a state obligation, thereby achieving a significant leap in its legal status.

The Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee stated that the period of the 15th Five-Year Plan will be a crucial phase for laying a solid foundation and mounting a comprehensive effort to basically achieve socialist modernization, occupying an important position as a bridge between the past and the future in this process. At this historic juncture—marking the conclusion of the 14th Five-Year Plan and the commencement of the 15th— the Ministry of Natural Resources has designated the strengthening of fundamental geological survey work as a key measure to fully implement the new Mineral Resources Law and intensify the implementation of the new round of strategic actions aimed at breakthroughs in mineral exploration. Based on an analysis of the challenges and bottlenecks confronting this work and a review of practical experiences from various localities, the Ministry drafted the “Notice,” sought input from local authorities, enterprises, and other stakeholders, and, following consultations and expert evaluations by leading domestic specialists, ultimately finalized the document.

Reporter: Which types of work fall under basic geological survey activities?

Answer: The Notice emphasizes the need to accurately grasp the “foundational, public‑benefit‑oriented, and strategic” positioning of basic geological survey work.

The fundamental geological survey work we refer to generally encompasses: regional geological surveys, regional geophysical surveys, regional geochemical surveys, remote-sensing geological surveys, mineral‑resource geological surveys (including oil and gas geological surveys), metallogenic (deposit) prospecting and zoning, hydrogeological surveys, engineering geological surveys, environmental geological surveys, geological hazard assessments, ecological geological surveys, marine basic geological surveys, surface‑substrate investigations, and geological safety risk evaluations. Since the founding of the People’s Republic of China, such foundational geological surveys have made significant contributions to establishing a comprehensive industrial system and a robust theoretical framework for geological science in our country. Looking ahead, advancing new‑type industrialization and urbanization, fostering new‑quality productive forces, and strategically developing emerging industries will continue to rely on the indispensable supporting role of these fundamental geological surveys; moreover, the scope of this work may yet expand further.

Reporter: What challenges still remain in China’s basic geological survey work?

Answer: Problems are the voice of the times. In recent years, driven by technological innovation, the expansion of research domains, and the deepening of investigative content, China’s fundamental geological survey work has made substantial progress. However, overall, certain issues still require accelerated resolution.

First, the coverage of basic geological surveys remains inadequate. On land, the coverage of 1:50,000 regional geological mapping is less than 50%, and that of 1:50,000 mineral‑geological surveys falls short of 40%. Second, our capacity for scientific and technological innovation is insufficient. As exploration becomes increasingly challenging—focusing more on deep‑seated and concealed deposits—the demands on our ore‑formation theories, technical methods, and critical equipment are steadily rising, yet we still face significant shortcomings in these areas. Third, funding is inadequate. Public financial allocations are severely limited, mechanisms for attracting private capital are still being developed, and a diversified financing framework has yet to be established. Fourth, institutional frameworks remain incomplete. For an extended period, certain relationships have not been fully streamlined, preventing the mobilization of strong, coordinated efforts across the entire system, industry, and society.

All of these urgently call for us to align with the nation’s major needs and focus on its overarching strategies, adhere to a problem‑oriented approach, strengthen innovation‑driven development, and comprehensively, multidimensionally, and across broad domains enhance fundamental geological surveying efforts, thereby providing higher‑quality support for economic and social development.

II. Anchoring the Stage-Specific Goals and Accelerating the Establishment of a New-Era Fundamental Geological Survey System

Answer: Goals are the driving force behind progress. Scientifically setting work objectives is of paramount importance for effectively organizing basic geological survey activities in the period ahead.

The Notice specifies that by 2035, China’s fundamental geological survey work will achieve comprehensive coverage across multiple domains. This includes full coverage of medium-scale regional geological, regional geophysical, and satellite hyperspectral remote-sensing geological surveys on land; as well as full coverage of medium-scale regional geochemical surveys in key mineralization belts and 1:50,000-scale regional geological surveys in priority survey areas. In addition, the Notice mandates that by 2035, the coverage rate of 1:50,000-scale mineral geological surveys in key mineralization belts reach 70%; that 1:250,000-scale surface matrix surveys be fully conducted in major agricultural areas; that 1:250,000-scale ecological geological surveys be completed in key ecological function zones; that 1:50,000-scale hydrogeological surveys be carried out in priority areas of major river basins; and that 1:250,000-scale regional geological surveys cover 60% of marine areas.

We have formulated these objectives through careful deliberation, based on a comprehensive review and assessment of the national geological survey’s work during the 14th Five-Year Plan period, and grounded in a scientific evaluation of both the country’s development needs and the available human, material, and financial resources. While striving to do our utmost, we have also ensured that our efforts are commensurate with our capabilities, with the aim of elevating China’s overall capacity and technical level in basic geological surveys to an internationally leading position by 2035.

Reporter: How can we establish a foundational geological survey system for the new era?

Answer: This is also the core content of the Notice.

First, it is essential to clearly define the division of responsibilities. The Ministry of Natural Resources is responsible for managing national basic geological survey activities and for formulating policy documents that support such efforts. The China Geological Survey and other relevant directly affiliated units of the Ministry are tasked with conducting nationwide, cross‑regional, and marine‑area surveys, with a focus on 1:50,000 scale and smaller; they will also pilot surveys at 1:25,000 scale and larger in selected representative areas, develop and refine technical standards, and strengthen the integration of national basic geological data. At the provincial, municipal, and county levels, the respective natural resources authorities are responsible for survey work within their jurisdictions, prioritizing 1:50,000, 1:25,000, and larger scales, while ensuring the smooth implementation of all basic geological survey projects in their regions. In addition, the China Geological Survey and the provincial natural resources authorities are required to update, as appropriate, the medium- and large‑scale basic geological maps compiled prior to the year 2000.

Secondly, it is essential to strengthen coordinated planning and deployment. We must scientifically design geological survey programs at both the national and provincial levels, enhance coordination between central and local authorities, and foster a nationwide, unified strategic framework. Relying on the “single map” of natural resource management and territorial spatial planning, we should establish a centralized platform for coordinating survey activities, bringing all basic geological survey projects under a unified framework for coordinated planning and resource allocation. In terms of geographic focus, national and local geological survey teams have distinct priorities: the China Geological Survey Bureau concentrates its efforts in key mineralization belts in the western region, areas designated for major national infrastructure projects, ecological barrier zones, and priority maritime regions; while provincial natural resources authorities prioritize work in locally rich mineral-resource areas, major provincial infrastructure zones, and ecologically fragile regions. Regarding the sequencing of deployments, provincial natural resources authorities typically take the lead in initiating projects, whereas the China Geological Survey Bureau targets nationwide, cross‑regional tasks that demand higher technical standards and present greater operational challenges, thereby fully leveraging its role as the national geological survey team and providing a robust safety net to support the overall national geological survey strategy. Meanwhile, geological exploration agencies across various sectors may, in light of their own development needs and aligned with the national geological survey plan, formulate sector‑specific geological survey initiatives.

Third, we will encourage diversified investment. The central government’s special geological survey fund, which is incorporated into the China Geological Survey’s departmental budget management, plays an extremely important role in national basic geological surveys, serving as a forward‑looking, leading, and exemplary initiative. The Notice stipulates that, in principle, funding for basic geological survey work shall account for no less than 60% of the total allocation from the central government’s geological survey fund. In addition to ensuring adequate central fiscal funding, the Notice calls on natural resources authorities at all local levels to actively seek corresponding fiscal allocations and continuously strengthen survey activities. Beyond public funding, we also encourage provinces in the central and eastern regions to leverage aid‑to‑Xinjiang, aid‑to‑Tibet, aid‑to‑Qinghai, and other related funds to increase investment in survey work in western provinces; furthermore, we will explore the establishment of incentive mechanisms to mobilize stakeholders and jointly establish geological exploration funds, thereby bolstering basic geological survey efforts and striving to build a diversified mechanism for increasing investment.

In addition, it is essential to strengthen exchanges and cooperation and enhance information sharing. In particular, we must establish a three-tiered, coordinated geological database at the national, regional, and provincial levels, ensuring comprehensive data sharing and interoperability between central and local authorities and creating a unified national dataset. We should promote the productization and service‑oriented delivery of geological data, regularly update and make publicly available relevant datasets and research outcomes, and develop a diverse array of information products to meet the varied needs of government agencies, enterprises, and the general public.

III. Igniting the “Science and Technology Engine” to Comprehensively Strengthen Innovation Capacity in Fundamental Geological Survey Work

Answer: Science and technology are the primary productive forces. To strengthen fundamental geological survey work, it is essential to comprehensively enhance the independent innovation capacity of geological science and technology.

In terms of theoretical innovation, it is essential to strengthen original research in fundamental geological surveys. By conducting specialized investigations into key and complex issues such as lithology, stratigraphy, and tectonics, we can deepen the study of major regional geological problems and accelerate the enhancement of our capacity to advance foundational geological theories and metallogenic zoning at multiple scales. Furthermore, we should promote integrated innovation based on the findings from surveys of critical geological units, thereby deepening our understanding of applied basic research areas including regional metallogenesis, disaster chain interactions, water–rock interactions, multi-field coupling, and elemental migration and enrichment.

In the realm of exploration technology and equipment innovation, priority is given to developing high‑efficiency, three‑dimensional UAV‑cluster surveying techniques for complex terrains and accelerating the integrated application of multi‑source remote sensing data from high‑resolution domestically produced satellites. Efforts will be deepened to advance joint innovation and collaborative inversion in geophysical methods such as gravity, magnetic, and seismic surveys, while tackling key challenges in penetrating geochemical exploration technologies and driving innovation in 3D geological mapping. Furthermore, innovation in green exploration technologies and field‑ready rapid testing and analysis equipment will be strengthened for typical environments including alpine canyons, deserts and gobi regions, grassland wetlands, and forested areas.

Reporter: The Notice calls for accelerating innovation in intelligent geological survey methods. At present, what are the key application scenarios of artificial intelligence in fundamental geological surveys?

Answer: Artificial intelligence holds great significance for future development. After years of exploration, it has already been widely applied in the field of geological surveying.

Since 2015, China has undertaken technical exploration and practical applications related to intelligent geological mapping. A series of demonstration projects have been carried out in more than ten coverage areas, including the forested regions of Northeast China, the Yongding River alluvial plain, the Yangtze River Delta plain, and the Yuncheng Basin in Shanxi Province, as well as in areas characterized by different lithological types—such as sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic rocks—and in the Himalayan orogenic belt.

In recent years, China has made significant progress in intelligent mineral exploration and prediction, including the construction of geological exploration knowledge graphs, the development of large-scale geological knowledge models and AI‑driven predictive agents, and the initial deployment of big‑data‑based intelligent mineral‑prospecting systems. For example, by focusing on smart‑mining scenarios such as the Saltohai deposit in Xinjiang, the Yarlung Tsangpo chromite deposits in Tibet, and the gold deposits in the Western Qinling and Jiaodong regions, we have carried out demonstration projects for AI‑powered mineral‑prospecting prediction, achieving promising results.

Practice has demonstrated that artificial intelligence holds tremendous potential in fundamental geological surveying. Accordingly, the Notice calls for accelerating innovation in intelligent geological survey methods, deepening preliminary research on basic geological surveys, and enhancing both the scientific rigor and economic efficiency of such work. It also emphasizes establishing a comprehensive, integrated system for intelligent geological surveying—covering data aggregation, processing, updating, and service—to leverage data-driven approaches and expedite advances in areas such as intelligent mapping, intelligent mineral prospecting and prediction, and intelligent disaster monitoring and early warning. Furthermore, it urges speeding up the intelligent updating of digital geological maps at various scales, tackling key technologies for automated map compilation, and refining the methodologies underlying intelligent cartography.

Reporter: How will the field of basic geological surveying cultivate innovative talent?

Answer: Talent is the primary resource. The Ministry of Natural Resources attaches great importance to talent development, focusing on building an innovation-driven system and promoting the integrated development of platforms and talent. As indicated in the Notice, we will use projects as vehicles to innovate approaches to cultivating foundational geological surveying talent.

First, establish major basic geological survey projects to cultivate top-tier innovative talent nationwide and lead advances in fundamental geological theory and technological innovation. Second, launch surveys of key geological units to accelerate the development of leading experts in priority metallogenic regions, fostering the integration of regional findings and driving application‑oriented innovation. Third, initiate geological survey projects in critical areas, empowering young scientific and technical professionals to take center stage and catalyzing breakthroughs in both methodologies and theoretical frameworks.

Meanwhile, for newly recruited geoscientists, a training mechanism will be established to ensure that all newly hired technical personnel are fully engaged in project execution throughout the entire process. Furthermore, geological survey teams will be encouraged to collaborate with universities and research institutes to cultivate talent, thereby strengthening the pool of reserve technical expertise.

In short, strengthening fundamental geological survey work is a crucial measure for safeguarding national energy and resource security, supporting territorial spatial planning and infrastructure development, and underpinning disaster prevention and mitigation as well as ecological civilization building. We must remain true to our original aspirations and mission, persevere with unwavering commitment, and strive for sustained success over the long term.