Mr Sun Jianchu(1897—1952)

the founder of Yumen oil field

was an outstanding geologist of China.It is the thirtieth anniversary of his death this year.Mr Sun was born in Puyang

Henan Province.He graduated from Shanxi University in 1927

and for long he stuck to field survey over more than 10 provinces

searching for mineral resources such as iron

coal

crude oil

etc.for native country.From 1937

he began his work in Gansu and Qinghai Provinces.After a large amount of hard work on petroleum geology

he discovered the famous Laojunmiao oil field and held the field's petroleum prospecting and exploration with brilliant achievements.Mr Sun was appointed successively the chief geologist of the Petroleum Buerau of Gansu

the directer of Exploration Department of Petroleum Administration

Ministry of Fuel Industry

as well as a specialized commissioner in Academy of China.He was an active leader and director in charge of petroleum exploration in western China and throughout the country and made distinguished contribution.As a pioneer

Mr Sun was highly respected by petroleum geologists all over the country.This article was written in memory of him.