China has made significant breakthroughs in mineral exploration in the first half of 2025, with 38 newly discovered mineral mines and investment in non-oily mineral exploration continues to increase, the country's Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MNR) informed.
In the first 6 months of the year, China discovered 38 mineral mines, up 31% over the same period last year, including 25 large-scale and medium-sized mines. For example, a total of 3.37 million tons of rubidium were discovered in Hung Long district, Hebei province, northern China. A total of 81 tons of gold were found in Tekes district, Xinjiang Shipbucket Autonomous Region, northwest China.
According to the report, up to now, Chinese authorities have achieved the ahead of schedule target for exploration of most minerals under the 14th 5-year Plan (2021-2025).
Meanwhile, national investment in exploring non-oily and gas minerals continues to increase. Investment in gold, bauxite, vonfram, copper and phosphorus exploration increased by more than 50% over the same period last year, while investment in coal, lead - zinc, gold and lead coal... also increased significantly.
China's non-oily mineral exploration investment from January to June reached 6.69 billion yuan ($932 million), up 23.9% year-on-year, maintaining rapid growth.
Regarding the structure of mineral exploration investment in the first half of the year, private capital reached 3.36 billion yuan (463 million USD), up 28.2% over the same period last year, accounting for 48% of the total mineral exploration investment capital of the country.
