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Copper reserves in Tibet

2022/07/18

Zhang Mei, a researcher at the Information Center of the Ministry of Land and Resources, said at the "7th China Nonferrous Metals Industry Chain Development Forum" held in Beijing from April 15th to 20th that the reserves of copper resources identified in my country will continue to increase significantly in the next five years. The western region is the main increase area of resource reserves, of which the proven copper resource reserves in Tibet are expected to reach 40 million tons. In addition, Xinjiang's resource reserves are also expected to surpass Jiangxi and Yunnan provinces, entering the ranks of provinces (autonomous regions) with resource reserves exceeding 10 million tons.

According to the data of the Ministry of Land and Resources, in 2009, the exploration investment of copper mines in my country was 3.161 billion yuan, and the average annual growth rate of copper mine exploration investment from 2001 to 2009 reached 51.59%, which greatly exceeded the average annual growth rate of my country's GDP. The average annual growth rate of proven resources and reserves in mines is 1.87%, and 21 large and super-large copper mines have been newly discovered in recent years.

The amount of capital invested in subsequent commercial exploration will determine the amount of resources to be upgraded to basic reserves, and will also determine the development period of these mining areas. Zhang Mei suggested that the development and utilization of copper resources in the western region should adopt a modern and large-scale method. The ecological environment in Tibet is fragile and energy is scarce. It is best to focus on mining and dressing industry for mineral development, and try to avoid the development of smelting industry.

Copper smelting and classification

Summary of various copper densities