In 2007, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) launched researches on roadmaps for scientific and technological development in 18 major areas from present to 2050. A project team for mineral resources has carried out,in accordance with the requirements that "the report on strategic roadmap researches should reflect the strategy, orientation and operability" proposed by President Lu and Bureau of Planning & Strategy of the CAS, researches on "a roadmap for scientific and technological development of solid mineral resources in China from present to 2050". The work is mainly listed below.

As one of the eighteen field-specific reports comprising the comprehensive scope of the strategic general report of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, this subreport addresses long-range planning for developing science and technology in the field of mineral resources science. They each craft a roadmap for their sphere of development to 2050. In their entirety, the general and sub-group reports analyze the evolution and laws governing the development of science and technology, describe the decisive impact of science and technology on the modernization process, predict that the world is on the eve of an impending S&T revolution, and call for China to be fully prepared for this new round of S&T advancement. Based on the detailed study of the demands on S&T innovation in Chinas modernization, the reports draw a framework for eight basic and strategic systems of socio-economic development with the support of science and technology, work out Chinas S&T roadmaps for the relevant eight basic and strategic systems in line with Chinas reality, further detail S&T initiatives of strategic importance to Chinas modernization, and provide S&T decision-makers with comprehensive consultations for the development of S&T innovation consistent with Chinas reality. Supported by illustrations and tables of data, the reports provide researchers, government officials and entrepreneurs with guidance concerning research directions, the planning process, and investment.

Founded in 1949, the Chinese Academy of Sciences is the nation's highest academic institution in natural sciences. Its major responsibilities are to conduct research in basic and technological sciences, to undertake nationwide integrated surveys on natural resources and ecological environment, to provide the country with scientific data and consultations for government's decision-making, to undertake government-assigned projects with regard to key S&T problems in the process of socio-economic development, to initiate personnel training, and to promote Chinas high-tech enterprises through its active engagement in these areas.

Abstract

1 Situation of Mineral Resources in China

 1.1 Huge Demands for Mineral Resources

 1.2 Insufficiency of the Proved Reserves of Mineral Resources for Maintaining the Development of the Country

 1.3 The Low Level Utilization of Mineral Resources and Prominent Environmental Challenges

 1.4 The Increased Numbers of Crisis Mines

 1.5 Huge Potential for Prospecting More Mineral Resources

2 A Roadmap for Scientific & Technological Development of Solid Mineral Resources in China to 2050

 2.1 Overview of a Roadmap for Scientific & Technological Development of Solid Mineral Resources in China to 2050

 2.2 Metallogenic Theories and Regularities

 2.3 Predictive Prospecting and Minerals Exploration

 2.4 Clean and Efficient Utilization of Mineral Resources

 2.5 Resources Substitution and Cyclic Utilization

 2.6 Global Allocation of Mineral Resources

3 Policies Required toAttain Objectives

 3.1 To Expedite the Building of Industrial Technological Innovation System

 3.2 To Strengthen Innovative Personnel Training and Team Building in the Field of Mineral Resources

 3.3 To Increase the Funding for Technological Innovation

 3.4 To Strengthen the Building of Basic Scientific and Technological Platforms

 3.5 To Standardize Management of Mining Industry and to Strengthen the Lawful Mining Administration

 3.6 To Pay Attention to Overall Planning of Global Mineral Resources

 3.7 To Set up Incentive Policies and Laws on the Development of New Resources Industry

 3.8 To Set up Incentive Policies and Laws on Application of Technological Innovation

4 Conclusion

References

Epilogue