A map showing the distribution locations of 16 mineral resources—iron, manganese, chromium, copper, lead-zinc, aluminum, magnesium, nickel, tungsten, molybdenum, antimony, gold, silver, lithium, tin, and rare earth elements—across various regions of China.
 

01

Iron Ore Mineralization Belt Map

Iron Ore: We have compiled data on 4,000 iron ore deposits across China and found that our country boasts abundant iron ore resources, with sedimentary-metamorphic and magmatic iron ores being the dominant types. Next in importance are contact-metasomatic-hydrothermal and volcanic rock-type iron ores, while sedimentary and weathering-leaching types are relatively less significant. The sedimentary processes responsible for forming sedimentary-metamorphic iron ores mainly occurred during the Neoarchean era and are predominantly concentrated in the North China Craton. Magmatic iron ores primarily formed during the Hercynian period and are mainly distributed in the Panzhihua-Xichang region of Sichuan Province. Skarn-type iron ores are largely represented by the Daye-style and Hanxing-style deposits from the Mesozoic era. Continental volcanic rock-type iron ores are mainly found in continental volcanic basins such as Ningwu and Luchong in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River. As for marine volcanic rock-type iron ores, apart from the Dahongshan-style deposits from the Mesoproterozoic era in the Kang-Dian region, the Carboniferous iron ores in the Awulale metallogenic belt of the Western Tianshan Mountains also hold considerable importance. Moreover, recent mineral exploration efforts have achieved a series of new breakthroughs.

02

Schematic Map of Quaternary Manganese Deposits

Manganese Deposits: A systematic review was conducted on 856 manganese ore occurrences nationwide. China's manganese deposits are predominantly of marine sedimentary and weathered crust types, primarily distributed in the "Pan-Yangtze Region," the Yanliao area in the northern part of the North China Craton, as well as parts of the Western Tianshan and Qilian Mountains. The mineralization spans a wide range of geological ages, with major periods including the Mesoproterozoic to Neoproterozoic, Early Paleozoic (Cambrian and Ordovician), Late Paleozoic to Early-Middle Mesozoic, and the Quaternary. The sedimentary basin types are mainly continental-margin rift basins and intracontinental fault-depression basins formed under a dispersed tectonic setting.

03

General Map of the Distribution of China’s Chromite Deposits and Major Ore-Forming Regions

Chromite Deposits: A review of data on 350 chromite mining sites across China reveals that China’s chromite resources are relatively scarce. The dominant type of chromite deposit is magmatic, among which the ophiolitic podiform chromites are the most valuable. These deposits are primarily concentrated in mineral clusters such as the Yarlung Tsangpo River region in Tibet, West Junggar in Xinjiang, and the Suolun-Hegeng Mountains in Inner Mongolia. It is proposed that ophiolitic mantle-derived chromite deposits formed through partial melting and subsequent modification represent a key target for future chromite exploration in China. The most significant metallogenic periods are the Mesozoic and Paleozoic eras, while the tectonic setting most characteristic of these deposits is the suture zone between tectonic plates.

04

A simplified map of copper ore distribution in China

Copper Deposits: Based on data from 814 copper mining sites nationwide, the results indicate that China boasts abundant copper resources, with porphyry-type deposits being the predominant type. Nevertheless, substantial imports of copper are still required. In the future, geological exploration efforts will focus primarily on the western regions, with particular emphasis on porphyry, skarn, and volcanic-type copper deposits as key target types. Porphyry copper deposits are concentrated in areas such as the Gangdise region, the Bandi-Nujiang belt on both sides, the Changdu-Sanjiang area, Dexing, and Eastern Tianshan. The most significant mineralization periods are the Cenozoic and Mesozoic eras.

05

Map showing the distribution of representative copper deposits from China’s main mineralization periods.

06

Distribution Map of Lead-Zinc Deposits in China

Lead-Zinc Deposits: This study covers more than 300 lead-zinc deposit sites nationwide, with a total estimated resource volume exceeding 100 million tons. The southwestern, northwestern, and central-southern regions harbor the largest reserves of lead and zinc. The most important deposit types include carbonate-rock type, carbonate-rock–fine clastic rock type, sandstone-conglomerate type, skarn type, and hydrothermal type. The Mesozoic and Paleozoic eras are the most significant in terms of mineralization age. The orogenic belts represent the most distinctive geotectonic setting for ore formation; multi-stage and multi-cycle tectonic settings provide the most favorable environment for the genesis of lead-zinc deposits.

07

Distribution Map of Aluminum-Rich Zones in China

Bauxite: Based on a systematic review of data from 827 bauxite mining sites across China, it is concluded that paleoweathering crust–depositional, accumulative, and lateritic bauxites are the key types for future exploration. In China, bauxite deposits of the paleoweathering crust–depositional rock type predominate. Although one-water gibbsite-type bauxites boast enormous reserves, their extraction processes are complex and energy-intensive, limiting their resource utilization to a very small extent. Paleoweathering crust–depositional bauxites are concentrated in four provinces—Shanxi, Henan, Guizhou, and Guangxi—and their mineralization primarily occurred during the Late Paleozoic era. The most distinctive tectonic setting for these deposits is characterized by stable continental blocks.

08

Map of Mineralization Patterns of Magnesite in China

Dolomite: We have compiled data on 62 dolomite mining sites across the country and identified sedimentary-metamorphic dolomite as the primary target for future exploration. China boasts abundant dolomite resources (with proven reserves totaling 3.8 billion tons), predominantly in the form of crystalline dolomite. The technologies for exploring and developing these resources are well-established, and the reserves are enormous, placing China at the forefront of the world in both reserves and production. Among crystalline dolomites, the sedimentary-metamorphic type is particularly dominant, concentrated in the Liaodong region, where a world-class, large-to-ultra-large dolomite concentration area and production base have emerged. The most significant ore-forming epoch is the Paleoproterozoic, and the most favorable geotectonic setting for mineralization is the ancient rift basin.

09

Map of Nickel Ore Distribution in China

Nickel Deposits: Based on a review of data from 339 nickel deposit sites across China, we identify magmatic, weathered crust, and marine sedimentary types as the key target categories for future exploration. China boasts abundant nickel resources, with magmatic deposits being the predominant type. In contrast, weathered crust and marine sedimentary nickel deposits are relatively scarce in terms of both reserves and development potential. Magmatic nickel deposits are concentrated in several provinces (autonomous regions) including Gansu, Xinjiang, Qinghai, Yunnan, Sichuan, and Jilin. The mineralization ages of these deposits mostly fall within the Neoproterozoic and Late Paleozoic periods. The major tectonic settings associated with nickel mineralization include continental margin rifting, mantle plumes, and extensional regimes in orogenic belts.

10

Mineralization Model Diagram of Ni-Mo-V-PGE Polymetallic Deposits in the Yangtze Block of China during the Early Cambrian Period

11

Schematic Map of Tungsten Ore Distribution

Tungsten Deposits: A review of data on 1,199 tungsten deposit sites nationwide reveals that skarn (including scheelite-bearing skarn) deposits, quartz vein-type deposits, and intrusives are identified as key target types for future exploration. China boasts abundant tungsten resources with a relatively complete variety of deposit types. Among the country’s tungsten reserves, skarn and quartz vein-type deposits account for the largest shares. However, from the perspective of mining and utilization, the most significant type is the quartz vein-type scheelite deposit. While skarn-type tungsten deposits hold enormous reserves, their recovery rates remain low, and the technologies for their exploitation and development still require improvement. Skarn-type tungsten deposits are concentrated in ore clusters such as southern Hunan in the central section of the Nanling Range and eastern Qinling Mountains; by contrast, quartz vein-type deposits are primarily found in southwestern Fujian, southern Jiangxi, northern Guangdong, and southern Hunan in the South China region. The Mesozoic era is the most important geological period for these deposits. The major tectonic setting conducive to mineralization is characterized by intense post-orogenic tectonic activity—marked by extensive, deeply penetrating fault systems crisscrossing the landscape and frequent magmatic events—particularly those closely associated with Mesozoic granitic rocks.

12

Trend line of scheelite distribution in South China

13

Mineralization Spectrum Diagram of China's Molybdenum Deposits

Molybdenum Deposits: Based on a systematic review of data from 1,114 molybdenum mining sites across the country, it is evident that China boasts abundant molybdenum resources and ranks among the country’s key mineral commodities. In recent years, significant breakthroughs have been made in both traditional and non-traditional molybdenum-producing regions. As of the end of 2012, China’s proven molybdenum reserves exceeded 27 million tons. These exploration breakthroughs have fundamentally altered the original distribution pattern of “tungsten in the south and molybdenum in the north” on the Chinese mainland, leading to a nationwide proliferation of molybdenum deposits and establishing China as the world’s largest molybdenum resource nation. Meanwhile, with advances in science and technology and socio-economic development, the strategic value of molybdenum reserves has become increasingly apparent, and molybdenum is demonstrating strong growth potential in emerging materials. Therefore, building upon a thorough understanding of China’s molybdenum resource base, it is essential to develop and utilize these resources in a comprehensive, rational, and forward-looking manner, thereby avoiding the situation where “gold is sold at cabbage prices.”

14

Distribution Map of Antimony-Bearing Zones in China

Antimony Ore: Antimony is a traditionally advantageous mineral resource in China; however, in recent years, due to over-exploitation, its reserves have been declining, prompting the British Geological Survey to rank it as the world’s most critically scarce mineral. Once China were to halt its supply, global markets would inevitably face severe shortages. Based on a systematic review of data from 732 antimony ore deposits across the country, we believe that hydrothermal deposits hosted in carbonate rock formations, hydrothermal deposits in clastic rock formations, and magmatic-hydrothermal deposits should be regarded as key target types for future exploration. China boasts a large number of antimony deposits of considerable scale—such as the world-famous Xikuangshan antimony deposit in Hunan Province—which have generally undergone a complex mineralization process spanning the Caledonian, Indosinian, Yanshan, and Himalayan periods. Among these, the Mesozoic era stands out as the most significant period for mineralization. To achieve breakthroughs in antimony exploration, one approach involves deep exploration and edge-probing in existing, mature mining areas in eastern China; the other is to actively explore new regions within the Tethyan metallogenic domain, which holds the greatest potential for future discoveries.

15

Bar chart showing the number of gold mining sites in China's major provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities.

Gold Deposits: Gold is one of the most complex mineral types in China. Based on a systematic review of data from over 6,000 gold deposit sites nationwide, we believe that gold deposits associated with magmatic rocks, fine-grained disseminated deposits, and hydrothermal deposits hosted in metamorphic clastic rocks should be regarded as key target types for future exploration. Moreover, China's gold resources exhibit an uneven distribution both geographically and in terms of ore-forming ages. Spatially, gold deposits are predominantly concentrated in the eastern region (accounting for more than 90% of proven reserves), often occurring in clusters along the margins of ancient continental blocks, controlled by deep faults and ductile shear zones. Among these, the Mesozoic era stands out as the most significant period for gold mineralization. China boasts relatively abundant gold resources, and several major gold-producing regions have already been established, including Jiaodong, Xiaoqinling, and Yunnan-Guizhou-Guangxi. In recent years, significant breakthroughs have been made in gold exploration in provinces such as Guizhou, Yunnan, Tibet, and Jiaodong. Looking ahead, continued intensive efforts will be needed in deep-level exploration and the development of new exploration areas, and we are confident that further progress in gold discovery can be achieved.

16

Map showing the distribution of China's silver mines

Silver Deposits: China boasts relatively abundant silver mineral resources, widely distributed across the country, with most deposits occurring as co- or associated minerals. In recent years, a number of independent silver deposits have also been discovered one after another. Silver deposit types are diverse, including primarily those associated with marine and continental volcanic activities, those related to neutral and acidic intrusive rocks, and those linked to sedimentary processes. Based on a systematic review of data from 490 silver mining sites nationwide, we identify marine volcanic-sedimentary deposits, continental volcanic-subvolcanic rock deposits, skarn deposits, hydrothermal deposits (vein-type and stratiform-controlled type), sedimentary-metamorphic deposits, sedimentary deposits, and Cenozoic weathering-leaching deposits as key target types for future exploration and prediction.

17

A simplified map of lithium ore distribution in China

Lithium Ore: Lithium is a hallmark mineral resource that symbolizes the development of emerging industries and holds immense strategic significance. We believe that pegmatite-type, granite-type, and salt-lake sedimentary-type deposits should be regarded as key target types for exploration and prediction. China boasts abundant lithium resources, with hard-rock-type deposits being predominant. Although salt-lake lithium deposits hold enormous reserves, their exploitation and development technologies still require further advancement. Among hard-rock-type lithium deposits, pegmatite-type deposits are particularly prominent, concentrated in ore clusters such as Altay in Xinjiang and Jiajika in Sichuan. The Mesozoic era stands out as the most important geological period for lithium mineralization, and the tectonic setting during mineralization is characterized by a stable environment following orogenic events. In the future, the focus of geological exploration should be on the Jiajika ore cluster in Sichuan. With intensified exploration efforts and unified planning, it is promising to develop this region into a world-class lithium industry base.

Rare Earth Deposits: In this study, we have compiled data on 447 rare earth mineral deposits across China and identified three key types for focused exploration: marine sedimentary-metamorphic deposits, alkaline-rock-carbonatite deposits, and granite weathering crust deposits. Although hard-rock-type rare earth deposits dominate in China, the ion-adsorption type stands out as uniquely distinctive. Among hard-rock-type rare earth deposits, marine-sedimentary-metamorphic deposits are particularly prominent, with the Bayan Obo deposit in Inner Mongolia being the most significant—both in terms of reserves and production, ranking first in the world. Additionally, the Yaoniuping-style alkaline-rock-carbonatite rare earth deposits in western Sichuan have rapidly emerged as a major deposit type due to their high grade and ease of mining and beneficiation. Production capacity continues to expand, and breakthroughs have been made in deep exploration efforts at sites such as Yaoniuping and Daliancao. The mineralization age of hard-rock-type rare earth deposits spans both "old" and "new" periods, with the Proterozoic and Cenozoic epochs being the most important. In southern China, the ion-adsorption type of rare earth deposits is primarily hosted by Mesozoic granitic rocks. The geological tectonic setting for the formation of Bayan Obo-type rare earth deposits is characterized mainly by rift zones along ancient continental margins, making these deposits valuable indicators of ancient continental-margin rift zones. By contrast, the Yaoniuping-style alkaline-rock-carbonatite rare earth deposits formed in Cenozoic orogenic belts, with their source materials originating from the mantle and belonging to the weak zones within orogenic belts that provide pathways to the mantle.

Tin Deposits: A systematic review of data on 873 tin deposit sites nationwide indicates that the cassiterite-sulfide type, skarn (including tourmaline-skarn) type, quartz-vein type, and intrusives type should be regarded as key target types for future exploration. It is believed that China boasts abundant tin resources with a relatively comprehensive variety of tin deposit types. Among these, the cassiterite-sulfide type, skarn type, and quartz-vein type account for the largest share of China’s tin reserves. From the perspective of mining and utilization, the cassiterite-sulfide type and the quartz-vein type are of paramount importance. The cassiterite-sulfide type is primarily concentrated in northern Guangxi and eastern Yunnan, while the skarn-type tin deposits are mainly found in mineral clusters such as southern Hunan along the central section of the Nanling Range. The quartz-vein type is predominantly located in western Fujian, central Jiangxi, northern Guangdong, and southern Hunan. The Mesozoic era stands out as the most significant period for ore formation; the tectonic setting during this time bears strong similarities to that of tungsten deposits.