Fifteen individuals received China's highest geological science award this year, recognized for their outstanding contributions to fieldwork and advancements in geological science technology.

The prize ceremony for the 19th Li Siguang Geological Science Award was held in Beijing recently. Seven scholars received the Li Siguang Geological Science Research Award, while eight were honored with the Li Siguang Geological Science Field Work Award.

Minister of Natural Resources Guan Zhiou extended warm congratulations to the winners. He expressed hope that geological workers embody Li Siguang's unwavering patriotic spirit, pioneering and innovative mindset, and determination to persevere in the face of challenges.

"China is now in a critical period of striving to safeguard national energy and resource security and achieve high-level self-reliance in science and technology. As a pioneering and fundamental undertaking for economic and social development, geological work shoulders a glorious mission and heavy responsibilities," Guan said.

Guan highlighted the importance of innovation, describing it as "the primary driving force for advancing the geological cause."

"Modern geology is no longer a single discipline but is deeply integrated with cutting-edge fields such as artificial intelligence, big data, and high-end manufacturing," he said, underscoring that major deep-earth projects especially require the courage to challenge traditional textbooks and produce more original and groundbreaking achievements.

Dai Shifeng, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, expressed gratitude for the award and attributed his achievement to the support of the national scientific research system and the solid foundation laid by his predecessors.

"We will continue to conduct more systematic and in-depth research on major scientific and technological issues related to the metallogenic mechanisms of key minerals in coal series and their development and utilization," Dai said.

"We will also focus on cultivating young scientific and technological talents, ensuring the inheritance of Li Siguang's spirit among the new generation of geological workers, and jointly serving national resource security and energy transformation and development," he added.

The Li Siguang Geological Science Award was established to commemorate famous Chinese geologist Li Siguang and to promote the spirit of science. The award is presented every two years.