The institute is implementing its mission chiefly through the scientific activities of one CAS key laboratory and one provincial research center, i.e., Salt Lake Resources and Chemistry Laboratory (RCL) and Engineering and Technology Research Center of Comprehensive Utilization of Salt Lake Resources (ETRC). RCL focuses on the studies of formation and evolution of salt lakes, salt lake environmental science, salt lake elemental and resources chemistry, etc, whereas ETRC primarily deals with mining and extraction of lithium, magnesium, boron and potassium resources, comprehensive utilization of salt lake brines and solid potassium mineral deposits, as well as developing high-value downstream products to extend the salt lake product chains for vertical integration. The operations of RCL and ETRC are supported by four functional departments: Salt Lake Resources and Environment Information Center, Salt Lake Analytical and Test Center, Salt Lake Resources Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Pilot Laboratory, and Salt Lake Resources East Taijinar Field Station. Journal of Salt Lake Research, which is run by the information center, has been acknowledged as a frontier for communications in salt lake and related fields. The Analytical and Test Center is well equipped with various advanced apparatuses and was accredited the Certificate of Accreditation by China National Accreditation Board for Laboratories.