Xinjiang establishes the first key laboratory for mineral-derived humic acid

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The establishment of Xinjiang’s first key laboratory for mineral-derived humic acid was officially launched recently. Led by the Autonomous Region’s Scientific Research Society on Energy Conservation and Emission Reduction, this laboratory was established in collaboration with 12 other organizations, including Xinjiang Zhonghuan Energy Saving Technology Design and Research Co., Ltd., Xinjiang Agricultural University, and Xinjiang Shengda Yifang Biotechnology Co., Ltd. Its goal is to systematically address the key technologies for the high-value utilization of weathered coal resources. It is planned to establish a provincial- or ministerial-level key laboratory within three years, thereby filling the gap in systematic scientific research and specialized equipment development related to humic acid in Xinjiang. Humic acid mainly originates from weathered coal, lignite, etc. Highly processed humic acid products can be used as efficient organic fertilizers and soil conditioners, and have broad application prospects in areas such as the treatment of saline-alkali soils and ecological restoration. Xinjiang is rich in weathered coal resources, with proven reserves of around 328.5 billion tons; it represents a natural treasure trove for the development of the humic acid industry, yet these resources have not yet been effectively transformed into industrial advantages. “For a long time, constrained by extensive extraction techniques and a low level of intelligence in production equipment, the development of this industry has remained in a stage characterized by large resource volumes but a small-scale industry. ”said Liu Zunqi, a professor at the College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering at Xinjiang Agricultural University. The laboratory has established a clear development path: first, to develop intelligent and low-energy-consuming equipment and processes for clean extraction, in order to transform traditional production methods that are highly polluting and energy-intensive ； Secondly, tailored extraction and application technologies are developed for the coal and lignite resources of different qualities in Xinjiang, transforming these underutilized resources into high-value products suitable for use in fields such as ecological agriculture and the improvement of saline-alkali soils ； Third, establish an integrated platform for industry, academia, research, and application to facilitate the pilot testing and industrialization of technological achievements, thereby driving the industry toward greener and higher-value development. “Upon completion, the laboratory will provide humic acid-based equipment and technical solutions for ecological management in the arid and semi-arid regions of Xinjiang and across the country. It will also promote the integration and advancement of the humic acid industry with the equipment manufacturing sector, enabling weathered coal resources to truly serve as a ‘new driving force’ for green development. ”Zhou Bin, president of the Autonomous Region Science and Research Society for Energy Conservation and Emission Reduction and chief expert of the “dual carbon” think tank, said.