China discovers super-large rare earth mine in Sichuan, adding nearly 10 million tonnes of resources

Beijing, September 22 — China has successfully identified several super-large mineral deposits this year, including the Maoniuping rare earth mine in Sichuan and the Chatting copper-gold mine in Anhui, marking significant progress in exploration and resource expansion, according to a press conference held by the State Council Information Office.

Zhou Xing, Vice Minister of Natural Resources, announced the findings during a series of press briefings themed "A Strong Start to the 15th Five-Year Plan," which focused on promoting the safe, efficient, and sustainable use of natural resources.

Maoniuping Rare Earth Mine: A Major Breakthrough

Located in Mianning County, Sichuan Province, the Maoniuping rare earth mine has seen its total identified rare earth oxide (REO) resources reach 11.46 million tonnes, following the addition of 9.666 million tonnes of new resources confirmed in March this year. This represents an increase of over 500% and ranks the mine as the world's second-largest in terms of resource reserves among active rare earth mines.

The project marks a major breakthrough in the exploration of concealed carbonatite-type rare earth deposits in the Panxi region. It not only strengthens China's strategic reserve of rare earth resources but also provides an innovative model for deep and peripheral exploration under the complex geological conditions of the area.

Demand for Key Minerals to Remain Strong

"During the 15th Five-Year Plan period, China's demand for important mineral resources will continue to grow rigidly," Zhou said. In response, the Ministry of Natural Resources will launch a new round of strategic mineral exploration initiatives to secure the nation's energy supply and provide strong support for the development of advanced manufacturing.

The ministry outlined four key priorities:

1. Strengthen Geological Survey Foundations

Since minerals are typically located underground, exploration must first clarify basic geological conditions, identify potential mineral zones, and then narrow the search area for precise targeting. The ministry will implement a national geological mapping plan to increase land area 1:50,000 regional geological survey coverage to 51% and mineral geological survey coverage in key metallogenic belts to 66%, thereby clarifying the country's resource base.

2. Expand Exploration and Mining to Boost Reserves and Production

The ministry will organize large-scale exploration campaigns focusing on scarce minerals such as oil, iron, copper, and aluminum, while also addressing advantageous minerals like rare earths. A number of key exploration and mining projects will be deployed, aiming to discover new medium-to-large mineral deposits and oil and gas fields. The goal is to find more, larger, and higher-grade deposits, while steadily advancing the construction of approximately 300 energy and resource bases to significantly improve the self-sufficiency rate of strategic minerals and enhance the nation's resource security.

3. Enhance Technological Innovation for New Growth and Resource Activation

Innovation in exploration theories, technologies, and equipment will be deepened, with increased application of artificial intelligence to tap into deep earth and vast ocean resources. At the same time, the ministry will continue to reassess existing resources, revitalizing previously co-associated, low-grade, or difficult-to-utilize mineral deposits to "turn waste into treasure." Mining enterprises will also be encouraged to improve their "three rates"—mining recovery rate, mineral processing recovery rate, and comprehensive resource utilization rate—to maximize the use of valuable mineral resources.

4. Improve Policies and Regulations to Stimulate Exploration Enthusiasm

The ministry will thoroughly implement the new Mineral Resources Law and its implementing regulations, continuously improving supporting systems for geological surveys, competitive transfer of mining rights, mining land use, and ecological restoration of mining areas. These measures aim to "unburden and reduce pressure" on geological exploration units and mining enterprises, protect the legitimate rights and interests of various investors and the public, and attract more talent, capital, and technology into the mining sector.

(Reported by Dai Rui, Cover News)