# China mineral resource discoveries and reserves

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/china-mineral-resource-discoveries-and-reserves
> Updated: 2026-09-14T08:01:19.000Z. Sources: 11. Developments: 4.

China has reported significant advancements in mineral exploration and resource reserves. In Anhui Province, a massive porphyry copper-gold deposit was discovered in the Chating area of Xuancheng, noted as the largest of its kind in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River.

According to the ‘China Mineral Resources Report 2026’ released by the Ministry of Natural Resources, China holds the world’s largest reserves of 14 minerals, including rare earths, tungsten, tin, and molybdenum. The country also ranks among the top four globally for reserves of coal, iron, manganese, and titanium. During 2025, China discovered 200 new non-oil and gas mineral sites, including 63 large-scale deposits, with gold and iron being the most frequently discovered types.

Energy production also showed growth; coal output reached 4.85 billion tons in 2025, a 1.4% increase, while natural gas production rose by 6.3%.

Deep-sea exploration in the Western Pacific via the vessel Xiangyanghong 10 has identified a high-temperature hydrothermal field. An 18-day expedition involving teams from Tsinghua University, the Qingdao Institute of Marine Geology, and Shanghai Jiao Tong University discovered three large, cone-shaped mineral structures. Samples from this polymetallic sulfide deposit—composed of minerals such as chalcopyrite, pyrite, and sphalerite—show gold concentrations of up to 15.4 ppm and silver concentrations of 1,271 ppm. These values ‘significantly exceed many terrestrial mine concentrations,’ and preliminary assessments suggest the resources could reach the scale of a world-class seabed deposit.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-14: China discovers major gold and silver deposits in Pacific Ocean

Chinese scientists have discovered massive gold and silver deposits in the western Pacific Ocean, with ore samples showing higher concentrations than many land-based mines.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/china-discovers-major-gold-and-silver-deposits-in-pacific-ocean

### 2026-09-12: China discovers 200 new mineral deposits in 2025

China discovered 200 new non-oil and non-gas mineral deposits in 2025, including 16 gold and 11 iron deposits, alongside steady growth in coal, oil, and natural gas production.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/china-discovers-200-new-mineral-deposits-in-2025

### 2026-09-11: China reports world-leading reserves in 14 minerals and deep-sea discoveries

China reports leading global reserves in 14 minerals, including rare earths, and has discovered a high-grade gold and silver hydrothermal deposit in the Western Pacific.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/china-reports-world-leading-reserves-in-14-minerals-and-deep-sea-discoveries

### 2026-09-01: China discovers massive copper-gold deposit in Anhui Province

China has discovered a massive copper-gold deposit in Anhui Province, potentially creating a major resource base for the Yangtze River Delta's new-energy and manufacturing industries.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/china-discovers-massive-copper-gold-deposit-in-anhui-province

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Cite as: China mineral resource discoveries and reserves. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/china-mineral-resource-discoveries-and-reserves