Research of Mining Industry of TAR amid Construction of Silk Road Economic Belt

摘要

Situated at the junction between Gondwana continent and Eurasian continent (plate), Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) is the world's key ore-forming region. Based on the large quantity of data that had been obtained on-site, the study summarizes the distribution, prospection and mining enterprises for competent mine resources in TAR, and identifies the shares of Tibetan mining sector in heavy industry, industry and GDP, as well as the contribution of the mining economy, so as to make a conclusion that mining plays a role in accelerating the economic development of Tibet from 2009 and 2013. On top of that, the study analyzes the impacts of the Tibetan mining industry on the livelihood of people. The study shows that the diffusion and boosting roles of the mining industry have not yet been given into better play. The construction of Silk Road Economic Belt is expected to bring huge opportunities to the development of Tibetan mining industry. In line with the characteristics, the paper puts forward to pertinent policies and suggestions for TAR to be plugged into the construction of Silk Road Economic Belt. Situated in the southwest frontier of China, Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) covers a total area of 1,228,000 square kilometers. With an above mean sea level of over 4,000 meters, Tibet is often called "roof of the world" and "the third pole". Since Tang Dynasty, the region has established business and trade relations with places along Ancient Silk Road through Ancient Tangbo Road, Tea Horse Road and post road. It is also the land route linking China with countries in South Asia and Southeast Asia. Following President Xi Jinping's call to jointly build "Silk Road Economic Belt" in September 2013, National Development and Reform Commission, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Commerce jointly issued on March 28, 2015 the Vision and Actions on Jointly Building Silk Road Economic Belt and 21st-Century Maritime Silk Road, which has involved 18 major provinces in the final version. Of them, 3 southwestern provinces include Guangxi, Yunnan and TAR. The construction of Silk Road Economic Belt will bring about unprecedented historical opportunities for TAR to realize a leap in terms of economic and social development. TAR's economy will be further promoted thanks to the construction of Bangladesh-China-India-Myanmar and China-Pakistan economic corridors. Active participation in the construction of Silk Road Economic Belt is of great significance to the social and economic development of TAR.