Opportunities and challenges for geological work in China in the new era

Editor’s Note: In celebration of the Geological Society of China’s centennial anniversary, a seminar titled “Groundwater and Healthy & Green Development” was held on November 24‒25, 2022. It was hosted by the Geological Society of China and organised by its committees on Hydrogeology, Geothermy, Medical Geology, and Mine Water Prevention and Utilization. The seminar aimed to adapt to the new requirements of geological work in the new era and fully leverage the basic, leading, and binding roles of water resources. It sought to promote the conservation of water resources, the protection and ecological restoration of water environments, and the conversion of the cutting edge theoretical research in geothermal technology into achievements; and the advancement of interdisciplinary development of hydrogeology, geothermal geology, and medical geology. The seminar featured an important speech by Wang Min, Vice Minister of the former Ministry of Land and Resources of the PRC, which is included below.