Chinese geologists have uncovered a massive manganese deposit in central China’s Hunan Province, potentially holding more than 200 million tonnes of the valuable mineral, according to an announcement by the Geophysical and Geochemical Survey Institute of Hunan Province on Friday.
The discovery includes approximately 84 million tonnes of manganese ore already identified in the Qiyang-Lingling Basin of Yongzhou. This significant find is expected to bolster China’s domestic supply of manganese, a mineral critical to several key industries.
“Manganese is an essential raw material for industries such as steel, new energy, and advanced materials,” said Liao Fengchu, director of the institute. “The discovery of this deposit will play a vital role in supporting our nation’s industrial development.”
Further exploration in the basin has led researchers to identify a substantial manganese ore body with significant industrial potential at a depth exceeding 1,016 meters. “The results from our recent drilling activities are promising,” noted Xu Junwei, chief engineer of the institute. “We believe there is considerable potential for further discoveries at greater depths.”
China currently consumes millions of tonnes of manganese annually, with the majority of its supply being imported. The newfound reserves in Hunan Province could significantly reduce the country’s dependence on foreign sources. “This deposit could greatly enhance our self-sufficiency in manganese supply,” Liao added.
The discovery represents a significant advancement in China’s mining sector, highlighting the potential for further resource exploration within the country.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
