China Discovers 200 New Mineral Deposits

China has reported discovering 200 new mineral deposits in 2025, including 16 gold and 11 iron finds. This total is part of a sustained growth trend in geological exploration investment and continued progress in locating new mineral resources.

The findings were announced by the Ministry of Natural Resources China Mineral Resources 2026 report, released at the 28th China Mining Conference and Exhibition in Tianjin. The report also noted major breakthroughs in conventional oil and gas exploration, especially in new layers and zones within the Tarim and Junggar Basins.

According to the report, coal output for 2025 reached 4.85 billion tonnes, up 1.4% from a year earlier. Crude oil production rose 1.5% to 216 million tonnes, extending a run of growth to seven consecutive years. Natural gas output increased 6.3% to 262.06 billion cubic metres.