As China prepares to enter the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-2030), researchers are pioneering sustainable methods to transform the nation's salt lake resources into engines of green industrialization. Professor Wang Yuanhao from the University of Science and Technology Beijing reveals how innovative extraction technologies could redefine resource management in western China while supporting national decarbonization goals.
The western regions' salt lakes – long considered strategic reservoirs of lithium, magnesium, and potassium – are now at the center of a technological revolution. “We're developing closed-loop systems that maximize resource yield while minimizing environmental impact,” Wang explains. This approach aligns with the Plan's dual focus on ecological civilization construction and high-quality development in less industrialized areas.
Key innovations include:
AI-driven monitoring systems reducing freshwater consumption by 40%
Byproduct conversion processes creating new industrial materials
These advancements come as China seeks to strengthen supply chain resilience for critical minerals powering renewable energy and EV sectors. The State Council recently highlighted salt lake development as crucial for achieving 2030 carbon peaking targets while maintaining industrial competitiveness.
For investors, the push signals emerging opportunities in sustainable mining tech and circular economy solutions. Academic institutions are establishing cross-disciplinary research hubs, combining materials science with environmental engineering to address remaining challenges in brine processing efficiency.
