Chinese President Xi Jinping on Sunday called on geological workers to strengthen scientific and technological research, and make major breakthroughs in mineral exploration in order to contribute to the security of national energy resources and the overall building of a modern socialist country in a reply letter to a team of geological workers of the Shandong Provincial Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources.

In the letter, Xi said that since the sixth geological work team of the bureau was founded, generations of team members have made arduous efforts and surmounted difficulties, yielding rich fruits in mineral resource exploration. 

Noting the important role of mineral resources in the country's economic and social development, Xi said that the exploration of mineral resources has a significant bearing on the national economy, people's livelihood and national security. 

Xi urged endeavors to carry forward fine traditions, act on the vision of green development, ramp up efforts in mineral resource exploration and make scientific breakthroughs.

Established in 1958, the geological work team has explored and located over 2,810 tonnes of gold. Recently, the whole team wrote a letter to Xi, briefing him on the results of their work and their resolve to dedicate themselves to geological work and contribute their strength to ensuring the country's energy and resource security. 

(With input from Xinhua)