China gold reserves: China has recently discovered a large gold deposit in its Hunan province. This discovery has the potential to have a major impact on global gold production and markets. Geologists have identified huge deposits of gold in the Wangu area of Pingjiang County in Hunan province of China. This discovery was made at a depth of more than 2,000 meters, where more than 40 gold tunnels have been found. Initial discovery has estimated 300.2 tonnes of gold. The highest amount of gold in this area is up to 138 grams per ton.
Experts believe that gold reserves at depths of more than 3,000 meters could reach up to 1,000 tonnes, with a total value of $82.8 billion (approximately ₹69,306 billion). China’s gold reserves have touched the figure of 2,264.32 tonnes by the second quarter of 2024. This figure is 314 tonnes more than November 2022.
China’s contribution to global gold production
China is the world’s largest gold producer. According to the World Gold Council, China’s contribution to global gold production in 2023 was about 10%. With this new discovery, this figure may increase further, which will further strengthen China’s dominance in gold production.
China’s advanced geology
The discovery of the Wangu site reflects China’s advanced geology and mining techniques. Discovering gold at such a depth not only shows technological advancement, but also presents a new challenge for geologists. This discovery can create a competitive environment for the big gold producing countries in the world like America, Russia and Australia. This step of China can further strengthen it as a geo-economic power.
What are the expectations from the Vangu site?
The discovery of the Wangu site will not only give China an edge in gold reserves, but will also give impetus to local economic activities. There is a possibility of increase in the fields of mining, employment and investment. Gold mining can have an impact on the environment. China must ensure that mining processes do not harm the environmental balance.