13. Mar 2010
Beijing to step up exploitation of Tibet's mineral resources
(Xinhua) Beijing has mapped out a plan to explore Tibet's abundant mineral resources to "develop the region's impoverished economy", while vowing the process should be "rational" to avoid damaging the natural environment and local culture. "Rational exploitation of our mineral resources is a fast and efficient way to boost Tibet's 'leapfrog development", said Dorje, a senior official with the regional land and resources department of the TAR. The Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee announced plans to achieve "leapfrog development" in Tibet at the fifth meeting on Tibet in January, including building the region into a "strategic reserve of natural resources" with the aim of reducing poverty among the Tibetan people and contributing 30% to the regional GDP