In a stunning breakthrough, geologists have uncovered more than 20 million tons of copper in China's Tibetan Plateau — a find valued at over $100 billion. This unexpected discovery could shake up global supply chains, bolster China’s energy strategies and tilt the balance of power in the international copper market.

The Qinghai-Xizang region, once considered remote and largely inaccessible, has rapidly emerged as a global hotspot for copper exploration. Major resource bases such as Yulong, Duolong, Julong-Jiama and Xiongcun-Zhunuo have positioned the area as one of the world’s most promising mining frontiers.

Global Times reported that the main deposit alone contains more than 20 million tons of high-grade copper, while surrounding sites could push the region’s total resource base to an astounding 150 million tons. The discovery comes at a crucial time, as China intensifies efforts to secure critical minerals under its 14th Five-Year Plan (2021–2025).

Copper plays a pivotal role in the global shift toward green energy. It is a key component in electric vehicles, solar panels and wind turbines. With electric vehicles requiring up to four times more copper than conventional cars, the soaring demand for this metal is putting increasing strain on global supplies.

Experts highlight that copper’s importance extends beyond transportation. It is also crucial for scaling up renewable energy projects that are essential for fighting climate change. The Tibetan Plateau find could therefore supercharge China’s green energy ambitions while making a major impact on the global energy transition.

The geopolitical implications are enormous. By securing such a vast domestic supply, China strengthens its position as a dominant force in the global copper market — a sector traditionally led by countries like Chile, Australia and Kazakhstan.

As copper prices surge due to skyrocketing demand, China’s enhanced control over supply could reshape international trade dynamics. Nations lacking sufficient copper reserves may find themselves increasingly dependent on Chinese resources, altering the global economic landscape.

However, mining the Tibetan Plateau is no easy task. The region’s extreme altitude and brutal climate demand cutting-edge technological solutions. China is already deploying autonomous drones, robotic drills and other advanced mining technologies to tackle the harsh environment.

These innovations not only enable efficient and safer mining in remote conditions but could also set new standards for the global mining industry. The breakthroughs developed in the Qinghai-Xizang region may pave the way for resource extraction in other challenging environments around the world.

The discovery marks a historic moment for China and the world — one that could redefine the future of green energy, global trade and technological advancement.