China has added 168 metric tons of gold resources and enhanced reserves of 12 co-mineral and associated minerals over the last five years, according to a recent report from the China Geological Survey (CGS). This development is a key step in strengthening the nation’s resource security.
The CGS, which operates under the Ministry of Natural Resources, highlighted major breakthroughs in gold exploration, including the discovery of 102.4 tons in the Anbali mining area of Gansu province, 41.3 tons in Inner Mongolia’s Hadamengou area, and 24.3 tons in Heilongjiang’s Baoxinggou region. These findings have been classified as super-large and large-scale deposits.
Advanced technologies drive exploration efforts
The exploration efforts, supported by the central government, utilized advanced technologies, geological theories, and computational power. Since 2021, significant progress has been made in key metallogenic zones like Jiaodong and major gold resource bases such as Hadamengou. Out of 47 identified target areas, 35 have been recommended for further exploration, WAM reported.
Expanding understanding of gold deposit patterns
These discoveries not only expand the scope of gold exploration but also deepen the understanding of national gold deposit patterns, according to the CGS. They are expected to guide local enterprises in future exploration activities, potentially boosting regional socioeconomic development.
Increase in co-mineral and associated mineral resources
In addition to gold, there has been a noteworthy increase in the national reserves of 12 co-mineral and associated low-grade mineral resources, including gallium, germanium, and indium. Co-minerals are resources found within the same deposit that can be industrially utilized after evaluation, while associated minerals are present in primary minerals that may require processing to meet industrial standards.
Collaborative efforts enhance mineral assessments
Since 2021, the CGS has partnered with over 100 divisions across 27 provincial regions to reassess 703 active mines and 1,148 medium-sized and large mining areas. This initiative has led to significant increases in low-grade reserves of co-mineral and associated minerals. Reserves of cobalt and rhenium have surged by over 100 percent compared to previous estimates. Nickel and indium have increased by more than 30 percent.
Additionally, gallium, germanium, vanadium, and potassium salt reserves have risen by over 10 percent.
Moreover, there has also been an increase in reserves of gold, tantalum, rare earths, and zirconium. Newly identified gold reserves as co-mineral or associated mineral resources have surpassed 1,200 tons. The CGS also reported an increase of over 12 million tons of vanadium reserves and more than 160 million tons of potassium salt.
Reevaluation strengthens domestic mineral resource security
This reevaluation establishes the current status of co-mineral and associated low-grade resources, reinforcing future production capabilities and enhancing domestic mineral resource security.
The recent discoveries mark the second official announcement of newly unearthed gold reserves in two months. Gold findings have exceeded 168 metric tons, which is approximately 5.93 million ounces. These discoveries are from various mining areas across northern and northwest China. In November, geologists revealed substantial reserves exceeding 1,000 tons at the Wangu gold mine located in Pingjiang County, Hunan province. The reserves are valued at around 600 billion yuan, which is approximately $82 billion.
China has intensified its investment in the search for critical mineral resources in recent years. A development plan for 2021-2025 emphasizes the need for increased efforts to boost domestic mineral reserves and production capabilities.
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