A significant deposit of high-quality gold ore has been discovered in central China, containing approximately 1,000 metric tons of gold. This find, reported by Chinese state media on November 29, 2024, is located in Pingjiang County, Hunan Province, and is valued at around 600 billion yuan (US$83 billion). It is considered one of the largest gold reservoirs ever uncovered, surpassing the South Deep mine in South Africa.
- Discovery of 1,000 metric tons of gold
- Valued at approximately US$83 billion
- Largest gold deposit surpassing South Deep mine
- 40 gold veins detected in Hunan Province
- Core samples show high-quality gold content
- China's gold reserves exceed 2,000 tons
The Geological Bureau of Hunan Province announced the detection of 40 gold veins at a depth of 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) in the region. Initial estimates suggest that these veins could hold approximately 300 metric tons of gold. Advanced 3D modeling indicates that additional reserves may be located down to a depth of 3 kilometers. Prospector Chen Rulin noted that many drilled rock cores exhibited visible gold, highlighting the deposit’s quality.
Core samples suggest that each metric ton of ore could contain as much as 138 grams (nearly 5 ounces) of gold, which is significantly higher than the typical threshold of 8 grams for high-grade ore. This discovery comes at a time when China already leads the global gold market, with reserves exceeding 2,000 tons and contributing about 10 percent of the world’s gold output.
The announcement of this gold find has led to an increase in gold prices, reflecting rising demand amid global economic uncertainties. Experts remain divided on the potential for further gold discoveries worldwide, as many question whether we have reached peak gold. However, the findings in Hunan Province suggest that economically viable reserves may still be abundant.
This discovery in Hunan Province underscores the potential for substantial gold reserves still to be found, challenging the notion of peak gold. As exploration continues, the implications for both the local and global economies could be significant, especially in light of rising gold prices.