New Breakthroughs in Resource Exploration

On January 8, China Geological Survey under the Ministry of Natural Resources announced major progress in mineral and unconventional energy exploration. A large chromite discovery was made in the Sartuohai mining belt in Xinjiang, where 27 ore groups and 20 ore bodies were identified, marking the region’s largest find in nearly 40 years. Chromite is a strategic mineral vital for advanced alloy production. Meanwhile, industrial shale gas flow was achieved in Permian strata in western Hubei, extending shale gas exploration beyond the Sichuan Basin. Newly identified shale gas resources reached 132.95 billion cubic meters, strengthening China’s energy reserves.

National Geophysics Innovation Center Launched

China recently inaugurated the National Technology Innovation Center for Oil and Gas Geophysical Exploration in Zhuozhou, Hebei, marking a new phase in building a national-level collaborative innovation platform. Approved in September 2024 by the Ministry of Science and Technology and the National Energy Administration, the center is jointly established by major state-owned oil companies and leading universities, led by CNPC. Its mission is to develop next-generation high-precision onshore and offshore geophysical exploration technologies, address complex exploration challenges, and strengthen oil and gas reserves. The center will focus on core equipment, advanced imaging, and fine reservoir characterization to support national energy security.

Shale Gas Fracturing Breakthrough

Zhejiang Oilfield recently achieved a major milestone in the Yichang exploration area as a key appraisal well successfully completed its main hydraulic fracturing operation. Using the “Fracturing 2.0 + extreme flow restriction” technique, the project overcame complex geological challenges and set a new regional record for sand-loading intensity in horizontal wells. The operation safely completed 18 fracturing stages, effectively stimulating a 1,440-meter horizontal section. The breakthrough validated the adaptability of advanced fracturing technologies, activated shale gas resources in the block, and provided critical technical support for further shale gas evaluation and large-scale exploration in the Yichang area.