China’s has discovered massive reserves of over 20 million metric tonnes of new copper resources in the Tibetan Plateau. Researchers from the China Geological Survey announced on Monday January 6 that the latest discovery adds to the already substantial copper reserves on the Tibetan Plateau, which accounted for more than half of China’s total copper reserves as of 2021. The new resources bring the total estimated copper potential of the region to 150 million tonnes, spread across four key mining areas: Yulong, Duolong, Jiulong-Jiama, and Xiongcun-Zhuno.

The Tibetan Plateau, a vital region for China’s mineral exploration, is home to a vast array of minerals such as copper, chromium, cobalt, lead, and zinc. It is considered a strategic resource reserve base for the country, contributing up to 90% of some of these reserves.

The China Geological Survey has ambitious plans to further expand its copper discoveries, with ongoing geological surveys and technological innovations aimed at finding new resource bases. Recent discoveries, including 3.65 million tonnes of copper at Heilongjiang’s Duobaoshan copper mine, are expected to further secure China’s copper supply for the coming decades.

The demand for copper in China is amplified by the growth of low-carbon energy and new energy infrastructure like electric vehicles and renewable energy systems, which rely heavily on copper for their development and operation.

To support this rising demand, China is prioritizing the expansion of its copper reserves. Tang Juxing, chief scientist at the China Geological Survey, emphasized the strategic importance of continuing to increase copper resources, highlighting the need to safeguard the copper supply chain for national security and industrial development. He noted that expanding copper reserves through exploration is vital for building critical national resource bases.

Tang also highlighted plans to explore copper resources in various regions, including Zhejiang, Fujian, Guangdong, Jiangxi, Liaoning, Jilin, Heilongjiang, and the volcanic zones of the Tianshan-Aletai area, opening up new opportunities for copper exploration and strengthening China’s position as a global leader in copper production and consumption.

According to data from the International Copper Study Group, global consumption of refined copper in 2023 reached 27.01 million tonnes, with China accounting for more than half of this demand. The country's copper consumption is expected to increase even further, driven by the rapid growth in sectors such as electric power, home appliances, transportation, and construction, which collectively accounted for 79% of China’s copper use in 2023.

This breakthrough underscores China’s strategic efforts to ensure the long-term security of its mineral supply chains, enabling continued economic growth and technological advancements.