Development trend of international geological survey and its implications to China

Owing to the sluggishness of the global economy, the growth rate of mineral resources demand has slowed down, the environmental problem has been becoming increasingly serious, the mining industry has entered into the period of further adjustment, and the requirements for the geological survey have changed greatly. In such situation, today's geological survey is showing the following new developing trends: Firstly, to establish the concept of whole resources and strengthen the identification and evaluation of critical minerals. Apart from traditional and near-surface minerals, many new kinds and deeply buried minerals nowadays become the mineral exploration targets. In addition to the general rules, the "whole life-cycle"of the mineral resources is focused. Besides providing general information of geological mapping, the deep excavation of information has become the main task of the basic geological survey. Secondly, to establish the concept of great geology, and carry out geological survey in the critical zone of the earth. Thirdly, to establish the concept of big data, and promote the deep integration of the information technology and geological survey. The reform of China's geological survey should be consistent with the geological and economic rules, and we should establish the concepts of "great geology", "whole resources", "whole ecology", "big data"strengthen the top-level design of the geological survey, concentrate our efforts on the critical space, critical minerals and critical technologies, and push on the structural adjustment and transition, so as to meet the requirements of the economic and social development.