China Discovers 200 New Mineral Deposits as Strategic Exploration Soars

China's strategic mineral exploration has seen significant progress in recent years, with major breakthroughs announced at the ongoing China Mining Conference and Exhibition in Tianjin. According to the Ministry of Natural Resources, geological exploration investment rose for a fifth consecutive year in 2025, with 200 new non-oil and gas mineral deposits discovered nationwide.

The majority of these discoveries were classified as large-scale, with gold leading the way at 16 finds. Iron ore followed closely with 11 discoveries, along with coal, manganese, and lithium each discovering eight new deposits.

China has also seen significant increases in major mineral product supply, with coal output reaching 4.85 billion metric tons, a 1.4 percent year-on-year increase. Crude oil production rose by 1.5 percent to 216 million tons, marking the seventh consecutive year of growth, while natural gas output climbed 6.3 percent to 262.06 billion cubic meters.

The report also highlighted strengthened technological innovation in the sector, including advances in exploration technology and equipment, publication of national standards, and landmark results in deep mineral exploration and resource assessment.