Vladimir Obruchev (1863-1956), Russian and Soviet geologist, is believed to be the pioneer in geological surveying in Karamay. He led a surveying team formed by Chinese technicians including Zhang Kai and Wang Kesi to study the Blackoil Mountain area in Karamay in 1954 in an effort to prospect for oil. After nine months’ working, they proved up three prospecting well spots in this area. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Oil workers celebrated for the discovery of the first oilfield in Karamay on Oct 29, 1955. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The sample of the crude oil exploited from the first oilfield in Karamay. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]