Asia’s Largest Underwater Gold Mine Discovered in China

Beijing: China has solidified its position as a global leader in gold production following the discovery of Asia’s largest underwater gold mine near Laizhou City. According to standards set by the Joint Ore Reserves Committee (JORC), the seabed deposit is estimated to hold 562 tons of gold, with an average ore grade of 4.2 grams per ton. This discovery contributes to the Laizhou area’s staggering cumulative reserves of over 3,900 tons, which now account for approximately 26% of China’s total gold resources.

To tap into this submerged treasure, an investment of more than 10 billion yuan (approximately $1.4 billion USD) is planned for the development of high-tech extraction facilities. Once operational, the site is expected to process 12,000 tons of gold ore daily, yielding an annual production of roughly 15 tons. Beyond the economic output, the project is projected to create direct employment for at least 1,000 people, marking a significant industrial expansion for the region.

This underwater find is part of a broader "gold rush" of geological discoveries across the country. In the Liaodong region, the Dadonggou gold mine was recently identified with potential resources reaching 1,500 tons. Additionally, reports from Hunan Province suggest the Wanggu gold mine may hold over 1,000 tons of buried gold, with an estimated economic value of 600 billion yuan. These consecutive discoveries underscore China's aggressive push to secure mineral wealth and bolster its national reserves.