XIEG Holds 61st Salon for Scientific Exchange

On August 13, the Department of International Cooperation of the Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, Chinese Academy of Sciences (XIEG), successfully held the 61st Salon for Scientific Exchange (SSE), featuring Dr. David Govoni, President of the European Federation of Geologists (EFG) and Geology and Mining Manager at Unicalce Group (Italy), as the distinguished keynote speaker.

Dr. Govoni delivered an academic presentation themed “Bridging Continents, Building Resilience: A Global Dialogue on Raw Materials and the Role of Geoscientists”, addressing global raw materials exploration and the critical functions of geologists in advancing sustainable development. The event drew over 30 researchers and graduate students from XIEG.

In his systematic presentation, Dr. Govoni provided a comprehensive overview of the challenges and opportunities confronting global raw materials supply chains. He elaborated on the multifaceted roles that geoscientists play in mineral resource exploration, project permitting, environmental stewardship, and policy formulation.

Dr. Govoni noted that, amid the intersecting dynamics of energy transition and geopolitical shifts, fostering resilient raw materials supply chains has become a global imperative. He stressed that geologists must not only refine traditional exploration techniques but also actively integrate emerging dimensions, including sustainability assessments, community engagement, and cross-border policy coordination.

During the discussion session, participants engaged in in-depth exchanges on the critical mineral potential of Xinjiang and Central Asia, opportunities for joint Sino-European research funding applications, and strategies for deepening collaborative ties with European research institutions.

XIEG’s research teams have long concentrated on the geology, mineral resources, and ecological environments of the arid zones in Central Asia, establishing a solid foundation in mineral resource assessment and mine-site ecological restoration. Dr. Govoni, in his capacity as EFG President and an evaluator for European Commission projects, brings extensive experience in international cooperation and policy advisory.

This event further strengthened cooperative consensus between XIEG and European counterparts in areas such as geoscience data sharing, joint research project applications, and personnel exchanges. The event provides a new opportunity for XIEG to expand its European geoscience collaboration network and elevate its international standing in the fields of raw materials and sustainable development.

Dr. David Govoni delivers his presentation. (Image by XIEG)

Contact

HUANG

Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography

E-mail: zlhuang@ms.xjb.ac.cn

Web: http://english.egi.cas.cn