A skeleton was recently found in a remote area of northern Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Police believe the remains had likely been there for more than 50 years, and that they may belong to a male geologist.

The remains were uncovered in an unpopulated area near Lop Nor, where no human had passed in decades, police said. Initial investigations suggest that the deceased was a male working in Xinjiang. Police couldn’t say exactly how he died, but speculate that he may have gotten lost in the remote area.

According to a newspaper and several letters found near the skeleton, experts believe he was a geologist named Deng Xueguang, originally from Sichuan. Police have contacted their colleagues in Sichuan to ask for relevant information, hoping to find Deng's relatives or friends.