A mineral resources prospecting project in west China's Qinghai-Tibet Plateau won the 2011 State Science and Technology Progress Award on Tuesday.

The project, the Theoretical Innovation and Significant Breakthrough in Mineral Resources Prospecting, was jointly conducted by the China Geological Survey (CGS), which is affiliated with the Ministry of Land and Resources (MLR), and the Geological Survey and Resources Prospecting Bureau of the Tibet Autonomous Region.

Liu Fengshan, a staff member for the project and a CGS official, said that they found three giant metallogenic belts, as well as seven super-large and 25 large mineral deposits. These discoveries mark the plateau as an important strategic resources reserve area.

Ma Yan, an official from the MLR, said that the project has overturned the Western theory about metallogenic belts on the plateau and established Chinese scientists' leading role in research on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.

"The breakthrough made in the project will contribute to the strategy to develop western China, economic and social progress in the plateau region, and ecological and environmental preservation," said Ma.

One of the top five state science and technology awards, the State Science and Technology Progress Award is given by the State Council, or China's cabinet, to individuals and organizations that make great contributions to the implementation and promotion of advanced science and technology ideas and accomplish important scientific or technological projects and plans.

(Xinhua News Agency February 14, 2012)