China discovered 200 medium- and large-sized mineral deposits in 2025, marking a significant expansion of the country’s strategic resource base amid rising investment in geological exploration and critical raw materials, reports
CGTN, a partner of TV BRICS.
According to the Ministry of Natural Resources, total investment in non-oil and gas geological exploration reached US$3.7 billion in 2025, representing a 10 per cent increase compared to the previous year. The sector has now recorded five consecutive years of growth, reflecting China’s long-term efforts to reinforce resource security and support industrial modernisation.
The newly identified deposits include substantial reserves of gold, iron ore, coal and lithium – resources considered essential for infrastructure development, advanced manufacturing and the energy transition. Authorities also reported a sharp increase in exploration spending on strategic minerals such as manganese, nickel and tin, which are increasingly important for battery technologies, electronics production and high-tech industries.
The Ministry of Natural Resources noted that China’s geological exploration model is also evolving, combining state guidance with broader market participation and increased private investment. Authorities say public-interest geological surveys and commercial exploration programmes are now being coordinated more closely to improve efficiency and accelerate new discoveries.
Experts believe the expansion of mineral exploration will play a key role in supporting China’s technological ambitions, green energy transition and industrial growth over the coming decade. The discoveries may also contribute to deeper resource cooperation across Eurasian and BRICS economies, where demand for critical minerals continues to rise.
Looking ahead, China is expected to further intensify exploration activities in strategically important regions while expanding scientific research, advanced surveying technologies and international cooperation in sustainable resource management.