The exploration of copper deposits on the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau (QXP) has emerged as both a promising and challenging endeavor for researchers looking to balance economic interests with environmental preservation. Recent studies applying the pressure-state-response (PSR) framework have shed light on the complex interplay of geological, ecological, and socio-economic factors affecting copper resource development.
The QXP, located in western China, is celebrated for its unique geological characteristics and significant mineral resources. Among these, copper is regarded as a key metal for the region’s economic development. A recent study sought to quantify the development potential of copper deposits on the plateau by innovatively utilizing the PSR framework. This comprehensive approach establishes potential evaluation indices which highlight key factors influencing copper resource development.
Research indicates the QXP holds over 300 identified copper deposits, collectively containing more than 60 million tons of copper resources, which accounts for over half of China’s total copper reserves. This remarkable potential is rooted in the region’s distinctive geological history, shaped by multiple phases of tectonic uplift and subsidence, which have created the ideal conditions for mineral concentration.
The study utilized the PSR model to assess how human activities interact with the natural environment, providing insights about the state conditions of resources, the pressures imposed by exploitation, and the responses from economic policies. According to the research, the state layer of the PSR model is identified as the most significant obstacle obstructing the development of copper resources on the plateau. Specifically, regions within central Xizang, eastern Xizang, and northwestern Yunnan showed high development potential attributed to favorable geological conditions, strong infrastructure, and active policy environments.
This research not only enriches the scientific community's knowledge about copper resources but also emphasizes the need for sustainable practices to preserve the fragile ecological environment of the plateau. It offers theoretical and practical guidance for future mineral resource exploration and utilization, ensuring the security of domestic metal resources.
For sustainable exploitation, the study highlights the necessity of addressing various factors, including infrastructure development, habitat quality, and economic structure. The findings indicate the high importance of transportation accessibility and electric power supply, especially as these infrastructures directly influence the viability of resource extraction.
Overall, the results draw attention to the need for coordinated development planning. Notably, policy influences are seen as pivotal for enhancing the region’s economic structure, guiding how infrastructure, environmental policies, and resource management relate to each other. The introduction of comprehensive potential evaluation indices allows for nuanced assessment capabilities for managing copper resources on the QXP.
Looking forward, the researchers stress the importance of deploying newer technologies for geological surveys and mineral exploration which can reveal additional undeveloped resources. These advancements are especially relevant for maintaining sustainable practices amid rising global demand for copper and ensuring long-term economic growth for the region. The QXP’s copper deposits represent not merely geological interests but also pivotal resources for China’s industrial and economic aspirations, warranting attention from both researchers and policymakers alike.
Beyond geology alone, the ecological security systems and socio-economic frameworks established around the region must bolster green practices, highlighting the essence of balancing economic development with environmental safeguarding. This imperative serves as the guiding principle for future research strategies and exploitation plans as the QXP moves toward becoming a more integrated and sustainable production base for copper resources.