The elite geophysical exploration team pushes forward into the plateau to search for mineral resources, with Party members taking the lead in supporting the nation's resource strategy.

At the Zhaxikang mining area in Longzi County, Shannan City, Tibet, at an altitude of 5,000 meters, a group of energetic young people are busily and efficiently working under the vibrant Party flag fluttering in the wind. They form the Party member先锋 team—technical personnel from the Zhaxikang Lead-Zinc Polymetallic Mine Exploration Project Department of the Sichuan Institute of Resource Geophysics. To explore the three-dimensional spatial characteristics of the ore body’s deeper sections, locate hidden ore bodies, reveal the deep and peripheral mineral exploration potential of the mining area, and provide reliable evidence for the next phase of drilling and resource evaluation, they have been advancing onto the plateau in batches since June, conducting three-dimensional induced polarization surveys within the mining area down to a depth of 500 meters.

The Zaxikang mining area is an important polymetallic lead-zinc ore concentration zone in Tibet and constitutes a key component of the country’s planned national-level mineral resource exploration and development base in Tibet. This project employs the latest Both electromagnetic seismic multi-parameter intelligent acquisition system and has deployed a large-scale 3D induced polarization survey array, conducting comprehensive, systematic, and in-depth geophysical exploration of the mining area. Under the exemplary leadership of the Party member pioneer team, project members, driven by a strong sense of political responsibility and mission, have overcome challenges such as high-altitude hypoxia, harsh weather conditions, and difficult transportation access. They have adhered to scientific planning, meticulous organization, strict management, and safe construction practices, ensuring the smooth progress of the project.

“During the project, we encountered numerous difficulties—but no one complained, and certainly no one backed down,” said Liu Lei, the project manager, his voice suddenly breaking as he spoke about the team, tears of deep emotion welling up in his eyes. “We’re working on a plateau at an altitude of over 5,000 meters, where the oxygen level is only half that of plain areas. The sunlight is intense, reaching over 30 degrees Celsius at noon, yet dropping to just a few degrees below zero in the early morning and late evening. Strong winds and hailstorms are commonplace, and harsh weather conditions have become our daily reality. Everyone has been struggling with oxygen deprivation and breathing difficulties, and the extremely challenging construction conditions coupled with altitude sickness have made it incredibly hard for everyone to fall asleep at night. Yet, despite all this, everyone persevered, completing the work brilliantly with unwavering determination. I’m deeply moved and especially grateful to every single member of the project team.”

“Especially Comrade Zhang Xulin, our Party member and cadre—I’ll never forget him!” Comrade Liu Lei replied when asked about something particularly memorable from the project. “At the very beginning of the work, none of us had yet acclimatized to the plateau. As we started carrying out surveying and stakeout operations, Comrade Zhang Xulin, with his professional expertise in surveying, took charge of calibrating each set of instruments, ensuring that our stakeout work was precise and error-free. On the very first day we went up there, he already had some difficulty breathing; even after climbing just a short slope on the mountain, he’d have to rest for quite a while. What’s more, the signal on the plateau was poor, so the network RTK surveying equipment we were using required repeated adjustments at multiple control points. At the time, I tried to persuade him to come down and rest, suggesting that he could return once he’d adjusted to the altitude and overcome the altitude sickness, letting other technicians handle the initial calibration. But Comrade Zhang Xulin firmly refused to do so. To ensure the quality of our surveying and stakeout work and to avoid delaying our construction schedule, he insisted on completing all eight control points in a single day—running from one point to another—and managed to finish the calibration despite having to inhale five cans of oxygen along the way. His dedication and perseverance taught me a profound lesson. As a Party member, I must strive to emulate his example.”

As one of the key projects under the solid mineral exploration program of the Sichuan Institute of Resource Geophysics, all Party members, cadres, and employees of the project team will continue to uphold Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era as their guiding principle, steadfastly implement the strategic plans laid out by the Group and the Institute, and remain committed to technological innovation and green construction. We will strive to successfully complete this major project and make outstanding contributions in the new round of strategic actions aimed at achieving breakthroughs in mineral exploration!

Executive Producer | Zhang Guangda
Reviewed by | Zou Zhongping
Editor-in-charge | Zhou Huiying
Editor | Wen Han