Chinese geologists have announced the discovery of a 1,000-tonne gold deposit in Liaoning province, potentially ranking among the world’s largest known gold reserves.
According to China Mining Magazine, this discovery follows the previous announcement of an $80 billion gold reserve found in Hunan province last year. The success is attributed to China’s advancements in mineral prospecting technology.
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Local reports indicate that the Liaoning deposit spans over 3km east to west and more than 2.5km north to south. Officials highlight its high recovery rate and ease of extraction, making it a valuable find.
Despite being the world’s leading gold producer with an output of nearly 380 tonnes in 2024, China still trails South Africa and Australia in proven reserves. However, these new discoveries could help close the gap and enhance China’s resource security.
In a separate report from November, the Hunan Geological Bureau revealed the discovery of 40 gold-rich veins nearly a mile deep, with an estimated yield of 300 tonnes and the potential to exceed 1,000 tonnes with deeper exploration.
These findings align with Beijing’s efforts to strengthen its strategic resource stockpile, as gold remains crucial for economic stability, electronics, and battery production.
Researchers credit the success to a combination of general and detailed exploration techniques, noting that all drilling sites have encountered gold ore.
However, independent verification has been suggested by geologists, including those at the World Gold Council, who caution that full-scale production could take years. Questions also remain regarding the quality and economic feasibility of the deposits.
Nonetheless, these discoveries highlight China’s growing expertise in mineral exploration and its long-term aspirations in the global gold industry.
