Xi highlights resources’ key role in security

President urges geological workers to play a bigger part in mineral exploration

President Xi Jinping has encouraged a team of geological workers in Shandong province to carry forward fine traditions, play a bigger role in mineral resource exploration and make greater contributions to ensuring the nation's energy resource security.

Xi, who is also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks in a letter replying to workers from "a heroic geological team" in the Shandong Provincial Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources. The letter was dated Sunday and made public on Tuesday.

Xi urged the geological workers to make greater efforts in mineral exploration, strive to make breakthroughs in science and technology, and play a greater role in the new round of strategic operation for mineral exploration

Xi's reply came after the geological workers from the bureau's No 6 Geological Team wrote to him recently, reporting the achievements they have made in mineral exploration and expressing their determination to dedicate themselves to geological work to ensure the security of the nation's energy resources.

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In the reply letter, Xi said that mineral resources are important materials that constitute the foundation of economic and social development, and mineral resources exploration and development matter to national development, people's well-being and State security.

He expressed his hope that the geological workers would fully carry on the fine tradition of loving the country and being dedicated to pioneering, innovative and hard work, and actively implement the green development philosophy.

Xi urged the geological workers to make greater efforts in mineral exploration, strive to make breakthroughs in science and technology, and play a greater role in the new round of strategic operation for mineral exploration.

He also encouraged them to make new contributions to ensuring the nation's energy resource security and building China into a modern socialist country in all respects, and to write a new chapter of the "heroic geological team".

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The No 6 Geological Team of the Shandong Provincial Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources was founded in 1958. It was honored as a "heroic geological team" by the State Council, China's Cabinet, in 1992 due to its geological workers' selfless dedication and the great achievements they have made.

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Since its founding, the geological team has been known for its innovation and achievements in gold resources exploration. Its exploration has led to accumulative gold resources of more than 2,810 metric tons, which ranks it first in gold resources exploration nationwide.

caodesheng@chinadaily.com.cn