CGTN – An exhibition marking the end of the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025) for natural resources science and technology opened at the China Geological Museum in Beijing on Wednesday.
Over the past five years, China’s Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) has achieved significant breakthroughs in fundamental research, essential technologies, domestically developed equipment, and national standards. These advancements have bolstered China’s modern natural resources management system, spanning everything from mountain peaks to the deep sea.
Key milestones include commissioning the Mengxiang (Dream) deep-ocean drilling vessel, which can drill to depths of up to 11,000 meters below sea level. China also opened its fifth Antarctic research base, Qinling Station. Other achievements include new technologies for major ecological projects such as the “Three-North” Shelterbelt Forest Program, the successful drilling of an ultra-deep scientific well over 10,000 meters in the Tarim Basin, and the completion of a nationwide network of satellite navigation and positioning reference stations.
China has also built a land-use planning monitoring network in 12 pilot zones. To support innovation, the ministry helped launch a joint Natural Resources Science and Technology Award backed by seven academic societies. Over 20,000 technology transfer projects were completed, worth 12.7 billion yuan ($1.79 billion). These projects increased productivity by an average of 5.15 percent annually and improved morale among researchers.
According to Feng Wenli, Director of the MNR’s Department of Science and Technology, the ministry is now leading the drafting of the 15th Five-Year Plan for natural resources and marine science and technology. The new plan aims to enhance China’s self-reliance in science and technology while supporting national security and high-quality development.
(Photos provided and authorized by the Ministry of Natural Resources)
