Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao (C) hears Chinese Academy of Engineering's report about China's mineral resource strategy in Beijing Oct. 12, 2004.

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said China cannot continue over-consuming mineral resources and must find sustainable sources.

Wen made the remarks at a meeting in Beijing Tuesday after hearing the Chinese Academy of Engineering's (CAE) report about China's mineral resource strategy.

He said institutional reform, improved efficiency and supply regulation can solve resource shortages.

Wen said high-consumption projects must be controlled, the development of energy and resource efficient technologies should be promoted and the whole society should establish conservation awareness.

He also called on Chinese businesses to work with overseas partners to tap foreign resources.

Chinese vice-premiers Huang Ju, Zeng Peiyan, State Councilors Hua Jianmin and Chen Zhili, and CAE president Xu Kuangdi also attended the meeting.