Lin Zihua has been awarded the “Master Craftsman of a Great Country” honor by the National Committee of the All-China Federation of Energy, Chemical and Geological Trade Unions (Season 6).

Recently, the list of “Master Craftsmen of a Great Country” (Season 6) for the 2021 National Energy, Chemical, and Geological Systems was announced, with a total of 60 individuals honored. Among them, 11 were from the land and resources sector, and Lin Zihua, Chief Engineer of our bureau’s Fujian Institute, was included on the list.

In 1992, Lin Zihua stepped out of the university gates, driven by an unwavering conviction to discover mineral resources for his country, and devoted himself wholeheartedly to the cause of geological and mineral exploration. For 29 years, he remained steadfast on the front lines of mineral prospecting, during which he led projects that resulted in the discovery of one large‑scale deposit, two large‑scale ore occurrences, two medium‑scale deposits, and five small‑scale deposits. While mentoring other projects, he helped confirm one super‑large deposit, three medium‑scale deposits, and more than ten small‑scale deposits. His work has been recognized with two provincial‑ and ministerial‑level awards for scientific and technological progress, two of the nation’s Top Ten Geological Exploration Achievements, one departmental‑level science and technology award, two awards for high‑quality geological reports, and three awards for outstanding achievements in geological exploration. The aggregate potential value of the deposits associated with the projects he has led or guided exceeds RMB 20 billion. He has also received numerous honors, including the Silver Hammer Award at the Fourth Fujian Provincial Geological Science and Technology Awards, the Huang Jiqing Young Geologist Science and Technology Award—Field Geologist Category—at the Sixth Edition, as well as titles such as “Most Beautiful Geological Team Member” in the inaugural National Geological Exploration Industry Awards and “Model Worker of Central Enterprises.”

He is down-to-earth, diligent in learning, thinking, and putting knowledge into practice. Over 28 years of professional experience, he has amassed extensive fieldwork expertise in geology, honed a solid theoretical foundation spanning multiple mineral types—including gold, silver, lead, zinc, graphite, and fluorite—and remained steadfastly committed to the front lines of mineral exploration. The mineral deposits he has led or supervised are estimated to hold a potential value exceeding RMB 20 billion. His projects have been recognized with two provincial- and ministerial-level awards for scientific and technological progress, two of the nation’s Top Ten Geological Exploration Achievements, one departmental-level science and technology award, two awards for high-quality geological reports, and three awards for outstanding achievements in mineral exploration.

He is dedicated to innovation and meticulous research, leveraging computer software to develop field‑work templates and a variety of standardized forms, thereby significantly enhancing both the accuracy and efficiency of his work. Using mapping tools such as MapGIS, he has produced thematic maps depicting the spatial distribution of mineral resources and mining rights across Fujian Province, as well as nationwide mineral distribution maps. Moreover, by employing Google Earth, he has geolocated various mineral occurrences and integrated prospecting information into a single map, adopting a macro‑level perspective to broaden his team’s exploration strategies.

He is meticulous and strives for excellence, drawing on the achievements of his predecessors without being bound by them. By pioneering innovative approaches to mineral exploration, he has repeatedly attained significant breakthroughs. From 2003 to 2009, as the project leader of the graphite deposit at the Taoqi mining area in Wuyishan City, Fujian Province, he successfully delineated a large-scale, flake‑grained crystalline graphite deposit, earning the China Geological Society’s 2010 Award for Ten Outstanding Geological Exploration Achievements. During his tenure as Technical Director of the branch institute and Chief Engineer of the institute, under his leadership and guidance, the project team discovered what is now recognized as China’s largest super‑large deposit at the Jinghou pyrophyllite mine in Jian’ou City, Fujian Province, with an estimated total economic value of approximately RMB 12.271 billion. Furthermore, the discovery of this ultra‑large, high‑quality pyrophyllite deposit in Jinghou, Jian’ou, was honored with the China Geological Society’s 2017 Award for Ten Outstanding Geological Exploration Achievements.

Lin Zihua is passionately devoted to geological exploration, persevering with unwavering dedication and sustained effort. Through his remarkable achievements in mineral prospecting, he embodies the spirit of the “Three Glories” among geologists, carrying it forward into the new era. With a pragmatic and truth‑seeking work ethic, he exemplifies the down-to-earth style of geological professionals; and through his commitment to excellence and meticulous craftsmanship, he upholds the artisan spirit of the profession. His extensive practical experience, proven successes, and inspiring deeds will undoubtedly serve as a model for all Party members, cadres, and employees of the Fujian Institute, motivating them to strengthen their resolve, rise to challenges, forge ahead, work diligently, fulfill their mission, and live up to the trust placed in them. In doing so, they will make fresh contributions to building the Fujian Institute into a first‑class enterprise in geological exploration, geotechnical engineering, and ecological civilization, with core competitiveness, and celebrate the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China with outstanding accomplishments!