Present situation of potash resources and direction of potash search in China

This paper analyzes the situation of supply and demand of potash resources, favorable salt- and potash-forming epochs and main favorable potash-forming basins in China and reviews the history of potash search work of China. It points out that there are still potash prospects in western China, especially in the Mid-Late Jurassic-Cretaceous and Cenozoic and secondarily in the late Sinian-Cambrian, Carboniferous, Ordovician and Triassic, and in addition, it also indicates that we should continue to look for potash in modern salt lakes and underground brine and conduct a comprehensive evaluation of them. The main areas of potash search are the Tarim, western Yunnan-Qiangtang, Qaidam and Upper Yangtze basins. According to China's particular salt-forming tectonic conditions and characteristics of potash formation and preservation, combined with the experience in potash prognosis and exploration in foreign countries, we should prepare for long-term, persistent and deep-going exploration and study of potash in China. It is suggested that the country should make more investment in potash search, strengthen the basic geological study of potash prognosis, establish a professional contingent of potash search and implement simultaneous exploration of oil and potash.