emirates7 - China reported a notable increase in mineral discoveries during the first half of 2025, with 38 new deposits identified—marking a 31% rise compared to the same period last year, according to the Ministry of Natural Resources. Of these, 25 were categorized as either large or medium-sized.
The ministry also announced key advances in the exploration of vital mineral resources.
Among the most significant discoveries was the country's first super-large uranium deposit, found in Heilongjiang province in the northeast, as reported by China Daily.
In Xinglong County, Hebei province (North China), rubidium reserves increased by 3.37 million metric tonnes, reaching super-large scale and reinforcing China’s global lead in rubidium ore. In nearby Longhua County, newly added cobalt reserves totaled 27,000 tonnes, classified as large-scale.
In Songtao County, Guizhou province (Southwest China), newly added manganese resources amounted to 22.85 million tonnes, also qualifying as large-scale. Meanwhile, Tekes County in Xinjiang (Northwest China) added 81 tonnes of gold, bringing the cumulative total close to 100 tonnes—deemed a significant, super-large breakthrough.
The ministry noted that most targets set under the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021–2025) for mineral exploration have already been met ahead of schedule.
National investment in non-oil and gas mineral exploration reached 7 billion yuan ($975 million), a 23.9% increase from the previous year. Private sector involvement also grew, with social capital contributing 3.6 billion yuan—up nearly 30% year-on-year—accounting for almost half of total investment. Combined contributions from central and local governments reached another 3.6 billion yuan, marking a 20% increase.
Investment growth was particularly strong in exploration of tin, tungsten, copper, phosphate, and bauxite—each rising by more than 50% compared to last year. Other minerals such as coal, lead-zinc, molybdenum, gold, and graphite also saw increased investment to varying degrees.
Additionally, China expanded its issuance of exploration licenses, setting a record with 581 permits granted for strategic minerals in 2024. In the first half of 2025, 318 more permits were issued.
The ministry also announced key advances in the exploration of vital mineral resources.
Among the most significant discoveries was the country's first super-large uranium deposit, found in Heilongjiang province in the northeast, as reported by China Daily.
In Xinglong County, Hebei province (North China), rubidium reserves increased by 3.37 million metric tonnes, reaching super-large scale and reinforcing China’s global lead in rubidium ore. In nearby Longhua County, newly added cobalt reserves totaled 27,000 tonnes, classified as large-scale.
In Songtao County, Guizhou province (Southwest China), newly added manganese resources amounted to 22.85 million tonnes, also qualifying as large-scale. Meanwhile, Tekes County in Xinjiang (Northwest China) added 81 tonnes of gold, bringing the cumulative total close to 100 tonnes—deemed a significant, super-large breakthrough.
The ministry noted that most targets set under the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021–2025) for mineral exploration have already been met ahead of schedule.
National investment in non-oil and gas mineral exploration reached 7 billion yuan ($975 million), a 23.9% increase from the previous year. Private sector involvement also grew, with social capital contributing 3.6 billion yuan—up nearly 30% year-on-year—accounting for almost half of total investment. Combined contributions from central and local governments reached another 3.6 billion yuan, marking a 20% increase.
Investment growth was particularly strong in exploration of tin, tungsten, copper, phosphate, and bauxite—each rising by more than 50% compared to last year. Other minerals such as coal, lead-zinc, molybdenum, gold, and graphite also saw increased investment to varying degrees.
Additionally, China expanded its issuance of exploration licenses, setting a record with 581 permits granted for strategic minerals in 2024. In the first half of 2025, 318 more permits were issued.