[The Power of Role Models] Advanced Individual in Scientific and Technological Innovation of the China Chemical Geology And Mining Bureau: Qi Xiequan

“The title of ‘Outstanding Individual in Scientific and Technological Innovation’ is both a recognition and an affirmation of those dedicated to scientific and technological advancement, as well as a source of encouragement and motivation for them,” said Qi Xiequan, recipient of the General Administration’s “2019–2020 Outstanding Individual in Scientific and Technological Innovation” honor and currently serving as Deputy Director and Chief Engineer of the Hydrology and Environmental Research Institute, as well as a member of the institute’s trade union committee.

Over nearly two decades of frontline fieldwork, Qi Xiequan has consistently prioritized technical quality while diligently deepening his expertise in specialized fields. He has actively pursued new technologies, methodologies, models, and standards, applying them to his daily work and continuously pioneering innovation to achieve outstanding results.
In Qi Xiequan’s view, an outstanding individual in scientific and technological innovation should demonstrate creativity in their work approach and mindset, achieve improvements and breakthroughs in technical methods, produce results that lead the industry in a specific area, develop a comprehensive, replicable, and scalable process system, and deliver tangible economic and social benefits to their organization.

“Every science and technology professional aspires to the distinguished honor of being recognized as an outstanding individual in scientific and technological innovation. However, I undertake each task not merely to win awards or seek recognition, but to see my projects through successfully and deliver tangible results,” said Qi Xiequan.

Since beginning his career in July 2002, Qi Xiequan has been engaged in hydrogeological and environmental geological exploration, assessment, and related research. He has led the successful completion of 25 large-scale projects in these fields—including three overseas projects in Africa and Southeast Asia—and more than 100 medium- and small‑scale projects. He has received a total of 22 awards, including six at the provincial or ministerial level, eight at the departmental or bureau level, and eight at the prefectural or municipal level. He has published 13 professional papers and authored two monographs. He holds two utility‑model patents authorized by the National Intellectual Property Administration and has one invention patent pending. For many consecutive years, he has been honored with titles such as “Advanced Worker,” “Outstanding League Member,” “Union Activist,” and “Excellent Union Official.” By applying his technical expertise to address practical challenges in his work, Qi Xiequan has accumulated valuable experience and drawn important lessons, enabling younger colleagues to take shortcuts and navigate their careers more efficiently, thereby truly fulfilling the role of mentorship and knowledge transfer.

As is well known, the geological industry is a demanding and arduous field. Qi Xiequan has taken the lead in upholding the spirit of geologists—“three honors and four excellences”—working proactively without waiting for handouts or relying on others, overcoming all manner of harsh working conditions, and tirelessly toiling on the front lines. Through relentless pursuit of excellence, he has forged robust construction expertise, earned a solid reputation in the market, and cultivated an indomitable fighting spirit.

“In our geological field, fieldwork is demanding, and we often encounter a wide range of challenges,” recalled Qi Xiequan. One of the experiences that left the deepest impression on him was the ground‑subsidence investigation and assessment project in Jinan City.

Prior to commencing hydrogeological and engineering‑geological drilling for the Jinan City North‑Cross‑District Ground Subsidence Investigation and Assessment Project, core recovery rates in the unconsolidated strata were extremely low—only 60%–70%, falling short of regulatory requirements. Despite employing multiple drilling techniques and various drill‑rig models throughout the construction process, the issue of poor core recovery remained unresolved. Moreover, once borehole depths exceeded 200 meters, problems such as formation shrinkage and drill‑bit sticking arose, severely compromising both borehole quality and safety. As this project marked our institute’s first ground‑subsidence investigation in Jinan, its successful implementation filled a critical gap in the city’s subsidence‑monitoring efforts. In his role as project leader, Qi Xiequan felt an immense sense of responsibility: failure to resolve these challenges would not only undermine the quality of the results but also jeopardize the positive corporate image our institute has painstakingly cultivated over many years with the Jinan Municipal Bureau of Natural Resources as a state‑owned geological surveying entity.

During that period, he struggled to sleep at night and had no appetite; whether walking or eating, he was constantly racking his brains to find a solution. Through relentless experimentation and exploration, Qi Xiequan led his team to develop a device that prevents core loss during the drilling‑and‑pulling process in loose formations, boosting the core recovery rate from the previous 60%–70% to over 95%.

During the drilling operations in stratified formations, to prevent borehole shrinkage and bit jamming and to ensure operational safety, Qi Xiequan led his team in developing a specialized drilling tool designed to mitigate borehole shrinkage and bit jamming in loose strata. This innovation effectively addressed the issue of bit jamming caused by formation shrinkage, thereby safeguarding the integrity of the drilling process.

Through the concerted efforts of Qi Xiequan and his team, this project was successfully completed with remarkable results, laying a solid foundation for our institute to secure future projects related to land subsidence in Jinan City. Furthermore, the two inventions developed by Qi Xiequan and his team have been granted utility model patent certificates by the National Intellectual Property Administration.

“That period was truly unforgettable; even now, when I think back, the memories are as vivid as if it were only yesterday.” Throughout Qi Xiequan’s career, there have been countless experiences just like this…

Despite the project’s high technical demands and heavy workload, Qi Xiequan has never ceased to learn. He stated that he will actively study and implement the spirit of General Secretary Xi Jinping’s July 1st speech, continue to ensure rigorous quality control in his work, and vigorously advance scientific and technological innovation. By leveraging technology as a foundation and pursuing breakthroughs through innovation, he aims to accelerate the application and commercialization of scientific and technological achievements, thereby continuously enhancing the capacity and level of geological science and technology in supporting economic and social development. Qi Xiequan is keenly aware that only by staying committed to his duties and consistently strengthening his political theory and professional expertise can he more closely integrate the core values of Sinochem geologists with his day-to-day work, maximizing their impact.

The journey is far from over, and we will forge ahead without waiting for the whip. Qi Xiequan stated that he will continue to lead his team in tackling tough challenges and scaling new heights. He also encouraged young employees to embrace the spirit of youthful vigor and boldness, taking the lead in the wave of scientific and technological innovation, shouldering the mission entrusted to us in the new era, and thoroughly implementing the China National Coal Administration’s “11410” strategy for scientific and technological development and the Group (Administration)’s “11349” overarching plan for science and technology during the 14th Five-Year Plan period. Upholding the core value of “technology-driven progress” championed by the China National Coal Administration, and with the support and assistance of the Administration and the leadership of the Shandong Institute, he pledged to achieve deep integration among industry, academia, research, and application, thereby contributing to the Institute’s scientific and technological innovation and high-quality development.