Sixteen Chinese geologists were honored in Beijing on Monday for their outstanding performance in research, field work and education.

Vice-Premier Zeng Peiyan presented the awards to the geologists at Ninth Li Siguang Geological Science Award Presentation Ceremony.

The award is named after leading Chinese geologist Li Siguang, who made a great contribution to the development of China's geoscience and geological education. His research led to the discovery and successful exploration of gas and oil fields in Daqing and Shengli regions and other mineral resources.

The geologists receiving awards included engineers, professors and researchers from universities and research institutes.

Sun Wensheng, Minister of Land and Resources, read out the decision to honor the 16 geological science workers and educators, who include Zhao Wenjin with the honorary prize of Li Siguang Geological Science Award and Xia Daixiang and seven others with the field geologist prize of Li Siguang Geological Science Award.

(Xinhua News Agency April 4, 2006)