BEIJING, Jan. 13 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli on Monday urged geologists to reform and be innovative to boost the country's geological development.

Comprehensively deepening reform and efforts to achieve sustainable economic and social development have led to new tasks and requirements, said Zhang when talking with winners of the country's top geological science awards.

He called on geological scientists to strengthen mineral exploration research and make breakthroughs to provide a more solid foundation for national energy and resource security.

Zhang called for reforms to pluralize the sources of investment, and improve the operation of the markets for trading of mining franchises and intermediary services.

The government should carry out an innovation-driven development strategy, support major geological science projects, increase financial support, and enhance international exchanges and cooperation in the resource field, he said.

A total of 14 geologists received the 13th Li Siguang Geological Science Award.

The biennial award, set up in 1989, is named after China's leading geologist Li Siguang, founder of the country's geomechanics. Li's research led to the discovery of China's major natural gas and oil fields.

Those working in geology should offer their services to other sectors, as well as support development of urbanization, modern agriculture, major engineering projects and the marine economy, said Zhang.

He also asked the sector to improve capabilities of preventing and reducing natural disasters as well as protecting geological environment.