Core Insights - A significant discovery of a large magnesium limestone deposit has been made in the Kongtong District of Pingliang City, Gansu Province, with a total resource volume of 700 million tons, marking a major breakthrough in mineral exploration in the region [1][2] Group 1: Mineral Discovery - The magnesium limestone deposit is located in the Zhuangmatai area of the Kongtong District, with an average MgO grade of 20.67%, indicating high-quality ore [2] - The deposit features characteristics such as large scale, shallow burial, gentle dip, and stable thickness, making it suitable for open-pit mining [2] - The exploration project utilized geological mapping, drilling, systematic sampling, and mineral processing technology studies to clarify the ore body characteristics and mining conditions [2] Group 2: National Mining Strategy - The Ministry of Natural Resources has reported significant progress in the new round of mineral exploration strategy, with major breakthroughs in key mineral-rich areas and large oil and gas basins [5] - In the first half of the year, 38 new mineral sites were discovered nationwide, a 31% increase year-on-year, including several large-scale finds in various provinces [4] - The 2025 China Mineral Resources Report indicates that geological exploration investment reached 115.99 billion yuan in 2024, continuing a trend of positive growth for four consecutive years [5][6]

Core Insights - A significant discovery of a large magnesium limestone deposit has been made in the Kongtong District of Pingliang City, Gansu Province, with a total resource volume of 700 million tons, marking a major breakthrough in mineral exploration in the region [1][2] Summary by Sections Major Mineral Discoveries - The magnesium limestone deposit is located in the Zhuangmatai area of the Kongtong District, with an average MgO grade of 20.67%, indicating high-quality ore [2] - The deposit is characterized by its large scale, shallow burial, gentle dip, and stable thickness, making it suitable for open-pit mining [2] - The comprehensive utilization potential of the magnesium limestone is significant, as it serves as a key raw material for magnesium metallurgy and has applications in refractory materials, metallurgical flux, glass, and ceramics [2] Recent Exploration Achievements - In October, Jiangsu Province reported a major breakthrough with the discovery of a large strontium deposit in Nanjing, with inferred resources of 545.55 thousand tons and an average grade of 48.65% [3] - In July, a team from China National Nuclear Corporation announced the discovery of the world's deepest sandstone-type industrial uranium mineralization in the Tarim Basin, setting a new record [4] - The first half of the year saw the discovery of 38 new mineral sites nationwide, a 31% increase year-on-year, with significant finds in various provinces including Heilongjiang, Hebei, and Xinjiang [5] Strategic Mining Initiatives - The Ministry of Natural Resources reported that the new round of mineral exploration strategic actions has made significant progress, with a total investment of 1159.94 billion yuan in geological exploration for 2024 [5] - The report highlighted the discovery of 150 new mineral sites, including 49 large, 54 medium, and 47 small sites, with lithium, gold, and iron being among the most frequently discovered minerals [5] - A notable "Asian lithium belt" has been identified, spanning 2800 kilometers across Sichuan, Qinghai, Tibet, and Xinjiang, with multiple large and super-large lithium deposits found [5]

Core Insights - The discovery of a large strontium mine in Lishui District, Nanjing, Jiangsu, with an estimated resource of 545.55 thousand tons and an average grade of 48.65%, has significant implications for various high-tech industries [1][18]. Industry Significance - Strontium, while not a rare earth element, plays a crucial role in high-tech sectors such as electric vehicles, semiconductors, military applications, and medical treatments [2][4]. - The United Nations has classified strontium as a "green rare metal," highlighting its importance in advanced manufacturing and technology [4][22]. Resource Distribution - Global strontium resources are concentrated in three main countries: Mexico (20 million tons), China (approximately 15 million tons), and Spain [6]. - Despite China's substantial reserves, challenges exist due to lower ore grades and higher extraction costs compared to countries like Iran, which has high-grade strontium ores [8]. Economic Impact - The new discovery in Jiangsu enhances China's self-sufficiency in strontium, reducing reliance on imports, which totaled 12,000 tons of high-purity strontium carbonate in 2024 at a price of 27,500 yuan per ton [8][12]. - The mining operation's efficiency is expected to improve by 30% due to the simultaneous extraction of multiple metals, including copper and zinc, using a new multi-metal exploration approach [10][12]. Strategic Advantages - The discovery strengthens China's bargaining power in the strontium market, allowing for greater control over supply chains in critical industries [12][20]. - The development of smart mining technologies and sustainable practices is underway, aiming to reduce waste and improve the overall efficiency of strontium extraction [16]. Future Outlook - The strategic importance of strontium is recognized as a key factor in enhancing China's position in the global high-tech supply chain [18][20]. - The recent find is seen as a stepping stone for China's manufacturing sector, positioning the country as a significant player in the global resource competition [20].

Core Viewpoint - Jiangsu Province has discovered a large strontium ore deposit in the Lishui Basin, with inferred resource amounts reaching 545.55 thousand tons and an average grade of 48.65% [3][5]. Group 1: Discovery and Significance - The newly discovered strontium ore deposit is located in the northeastern part of the Lishui volcanic basin, surrounding the Aijing Mountain large strontium deposit [3]. - Strontium, as an important rare metal, is widely used in special ceramic materials and magnetic alloy manufacturing, playing a crucial role in national industrial development and technological advancement [3]. Group 2: Exploration Efforts - The geological survey team has spent four years on strontium exploration in the Lishui area, addressing challenges such as extensive Quaternary cover and significant human activity [5]. - The project team proposed a new understanding of the second mineralization space in the basement fault of the Kaitai-Baimashan area, based on the structural evolution history of the Lishui Basin [5]. Group 3: Findings and Models - The project team discovered five concealed strontium ore bodies in the Mashantou area and submitted one large strontium ore deposit, providing direction for future exploration in the Lishui Basin [5]. - A comprehensive study established a mineralization model and exploration model for strontium in the Lishui Basin, offering an effective technical methodology for future exploration [5]. Group 4: Additional Discoveries - The northeastern part of the Lishui Basin is a significant area for strontium resources, with four large and medium-sized strontium deposits already identified [6]. - The project team also discovered multiple concealed copper, lead-zinc, and iron-sulfur ore bodies, proposing a new multi-metal comprehensive exploration approach for strontium, copper, and lead-zinc [6].

Core Insights - A new large strontium ore deposit has been discovered in the Lishui Basin, Jiangsu Province, with inferred resource amounts reaching 545.55 thousand tons and mineral amounts at 265.40 thousand tons, averaging a grade of 48.65% [1] - Strontium, an important rare metal, is widely used in special ceramic materials and magnetic alloy manufacturing, playing a significant role in national industrial development and technological advancement [1] - The Lishui Basin is recognized as a key area for strontium resources in Jiangsu, with four large and medium-sized strontium deposits already identified [2] Exploration and Research - The exploration team has spent four years addressing challenges such as surface coverage and human activity impacts, leading to new insights into the mineralization patterns and deep exploration potential in the Lishui Basin [1] - A new mineralization model and exploration methodology for strontium in the Lishui Basin have been established, providing a systematic approach for future exploration efforts [2] - The project team has also discovered multiple concealed copper, lead-zinc, and sulfur iron ore bodies, suggesting a new multi-metal exploration strategy that includes strontium, copper, and lead-zinc [2]