China has launched a national key research project recently to study mineralization and search for mineral deposits in large numbers.

The research project will cost between 30 million to 50 million yuan (3.6 million to six million US dollars). The team of experts will be led by senior scientists from the Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences and the Chinese Academy of Sciences.

About 70 to 80 percent of China's industrial raw materials come from mineral resources. However, among the 45 major mineral resources proven in China, only 30 of these can meet the demand atthe domestic market.

Chinese geologists are making efforts to develop new ways of searching for new mineral resources.

Under the project, they will study the formation mechanism of minerals in some selected areas and establish the country's theoretical system on large-scale mineralization to guide the search for mineral resources. (Xinhua)