【Haichuan. Today in the History of the Chemical Industry】 The Yumen Oil Field was basically completed

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On October 8, 1957, China’s first natural oil field, the Yumen Oil Field, was basically completed, marking the beginning of large-scale oil exploration and production in the country. The Yumen Oilfield is the earliest developed and largest oilfield in China. Exploration work began in 1938, but due to technical issues, only about 4 square kilometers of oil-producing areas have been discovered over the years. Starting in 1950, researchers began to intensify exploration efforts in oil fields. Under extremely difficult circumstances, researchers set out on the path of mineral exploration and extraction. Geological and structural maps were prepared, a number of well sites were identified, and a series of oil wells were drilled. The main oil reservoir layer, layer “L”, in Laojunmiao was discovered, expanding the oil-bearing area by 17 square kilometers. After locating the new oil reservoir, technicians and workers worked together to build and put into operation the imported thermal cracking unit and solvent unit in just 80 days, **increasing the output and quality of oil products and significantly alleviating the demand for crude oil at that time**. From then on, the development of the Yumen Oil Field began, entering a new stage of growth gradually. Meanwhile, researchers also explored the entire Hexi Corridor. Understand the geological and geomorphological characteristics of this narrow strip of land covering over 1,000 square kilometers. Thus, the first step in oil exploration in New China was taken. To revitalize the national oil industry, from 1953 to 1957, **efforts were concentrated on accelerating the construction of New China’s first oil industry base. Since its inception, the Yumen Oilfield has consistently pursued the development of new processes and technologies, keeping itself at the forefront of advancements in China’s petroleum industry and maintaining a level of development typical of high-efficiency oilfields. In 1957, the annual crude oil production of the Yumen Oil Field reached 755,400 tons, accounting for 87.78% of the country’s total oil production that year. From 1980 to 1990, it achieved the goal of producing a steady 500,000 tons of crude oil for 11 consecutive years, setting a high record for stable production in old oil fields. The experience in comprehensive management and the use of technology to boost oil production developed by the Yumen Oil Field was applied to major oil fields such as Daqing, Shengli, and Karamay, resulting in significant increases and stabilizations in oil production. Over the years, the Yumen Oilfield has rapidly grown into a large-scale modern petroleum industry hub that integrates geological exploration, drilling, oil production, refining, machinery manufacturing, oilfield construction, petroleum technology, and education, boasting comprehensive facilities and a wide range of services. As a major training center, testing ground, and research facility for China’s petroleum industry, it has made significant contributions to its development.