Business · Energy & Commodities · 17 hrs ago
China reports major zircon deposit and higher mineral resources
China has identified a major zircon deposit and reported increases in its resources of rhenium, gold and nickel.
The findings came from a year-long nationwide reassessment of mineral deposits, including low-grade and difficult-to-extract ones.
China’s identified rhenium resources more than doubled, according to figures from its Ministry of Natural Resources.
These minerals matter because they are used in industries including aerospace and electric-vehicle batteries.
China still relies heavily on imports for some minerals, leaving parts of its supply chains exposed.
The findings could support China’s effort to secure mineral supplies as countries compete for resources during the energy transition and amid geopolitical tensions.
China reported a major zircon deposit and increases in identified resources of rhenium, gold and nickel.
The reported changes followed a year-long nationwide reassessment of mineral deposits.
Rhenium resources more than doubled, according to data from China’s Ministry of Natural Resources.
The effort aims to secure supplies of minerals used in industries including aerospace and electric vehicle batteries.
China remains heavily reliant on imports for some of these minerals, the article said.
- Who
- China reported the mineral findings. Xinhua cited data from the Ministry of Natural Resources.
- What
- China reported a major zircon deposit and increases in identified resources of rhenium, gold and nickel.
- When
- The report was published on November 2, 2026. Xinhua reported the findings over the weekend.
- Where
- China.
- Why
- China is seeking to secure supplies of minerals important to industry and reduce supply-chain exposure.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
China conducted a nationwide reassessment of associated, low-grade and difficult-to-extract mineral deposits.
Xinhua reported the findings, citing data from the Ministry of Natural Resources.
- Country
- China
- Rhenium
- Identified resources more than doubled
- Other resources
- Gold and nickel resources increased
- Zircon
- A major deposit was discovered
- Reassessment
- Year-long nationwide effort