China takes lead in research on globe's chemical makeup

Cooperative project with UNESCO will offer valuable data

China inked an agreement with UNESCO on Thursday to launch a global project to create a geochemical map of the Earth that would provide data to assist in finding solutions for pollution and resource shortages.

The project will map the distribution of 92 naturally found elements in the air, water and soil, and could affect scientific decisions on the environment and resources, the China Geological Survey under the Ministry of Land and Resources said on Thursday.