Core Insights - The Ministry of Natural Resources released the "China Mineral Resources Report (2025)" at the 2025 China International Mining Conference, highlighting significant investments and discoveries in mineral resources in China [1] Investment and Discoveries - In 2024, geological exploration investment in China reached 115.994 billion yuan, marking four consecutive years of growth, with a cumulative investment of nearly 450 billion yuan since the 14th Five-Year Plan [1] - A total of 150 new mineral sites were discovered in 2024, including 49 large, 54 medium, and 47 small sites, with notable discoveries in ordinary fluorite, lithium, gold, and iron [2] Mining Industry Performance - Fixed asset investment in the mining industry continued to grow for four years, with a 10.5% increase in 2024 compared to the previous year, contributing to the stability of global supply chains [2] - Production of ten non-ferrous metals continued to rise, and energy mineral outputs such as coal, crude oil, and natural gas reached historical highs in 2024 [2] Technological Innovation and International Cooperation - In 2024, China implemented 10 national standards and 85 industry standards in the mineral resources sector, launching major technological projects and international scientific initiatives [3] - The country is enhancing international cooperation in the mining sector, maintaining connections with energy resource countries and international organizations, and increasing foreign investment access [3]

Core Viewpoint - The establishment of "golden nails" serves as international benchmarks for geological time, aiding in the reconstruction of Earth's history and the study of geological and biological evolution events [2][5][8]. Group 1: Definition and Importance of "Golden Nails" - "Golden nails" are defined as anchor points that differentiate various geological eras, providing a framework for understanding Earth's history [2][5]. - The term originated from a historical event involving a gold railroad spike, symbolizing significant geological time markers [5]. - The establishment of a "golden nail" requires comprehensive geological records and the presence of index fossils or other correlatable markers [5][8]. Group 2: Geological Events and "Golden Nails" - "Golden nails" help identify major geological events, such as the "Snowball Earth" event and the mass extinction event approximately 252 million years ago [7]. - The identification of "golden nails" allows for precise dating of significant events in Earth's history, such as the extinction of dinosaurs linked to a cosmic impact [7]. Group 3: China's Contribution to "Golden Nails" - China has established 11 "golden nails," ranking it among the top countries globally in this field [8]. - The first "golden nail" in China was established in 1997, showcasing the country's growing influence in geological research [8]. - Chinese scientists have also contributed to the establishment of several international "golden nails," enhancing the global geological framework [8]. Group 4: Future Directions in Geological Research - The integration of big data and artificial intelligence in geological research is essential for advancing the understanding of Earth's evolution [9][10]. - The "Deep Time Digital Earth" initiative aims to utilize modern technologies to create high-resolution geological timelines, focusing on significant scientific questions [9][10].