Massive Gold Reserve Uncovered After 15-Month Exploration
China has announced one of the most remarkable mining discoveries in its modern history — an enormous gold deposit estimated at 1,444 tons, located in the northeastern province of Liaoning. The discovery follows an intensive 15-month geological exploration program led by the state-owned Liaoning Geology & Mining Group, involving nearly 1,000 technicians and workers.
According to the Ministry of Natural Resources, the newly identified Dadonggou gold deposit contains approximately 2.586 million tons of ore with an average grade of 0.56 grams of gold per ton. Although considered low-grade, the deposit’s extraordinary size makes it one of the largest gold discoveries ever recorded in China since 1949.
A Historic Finding With Enormous Economic Value
Officials say the estimated value of the gold exceeds €166 billion based on current market prices — equivalent to over 8.2 trillion Turkish lira. Gold prices have surged to record highs in 2025, with the metal trading above €115,000 per kilogram, largely driven by global economic uncertainty, geopolitical risks, and increased central bank purchases.
This discovery marks a significant milestone for China’s long-term mineral strategy. The Ministry described the deposit as “ultra-large but low-grade”, emphasizing that its initial economic feasibility assessment is positive, paving the way for future large-scale mining operations.
Why the Exact Location Remains Secret
Authorities confirmed the deposit is located in eastern Liaoning, but they declined to release precise coordinates. This confidentiality has fueled speculation that the government may be protecting valuable national resources from external commercial interests or geopolitical risks.
Mining analysts suggest that withholding details is a strategic measure, especially as global competition over critical minerals intensifies.
China’s Exploration Efforts Are Accelerating
The discovery comes during a period of rapid growth in China’s domestic mining sector. Over the past two years:
- In 2024, more than 1,000 tons of gold reserves were discovered in Hunan province.
- In October 2024, a separate deposit containing over 40 tons of gold was confirmed in Gansu.
- China produced 377.24 tons of gold in 2024, recording a slight annual increase.
- Domestic gold consumption soared to 985.31 tons, driven mainly by bullion and coin demand, which rose over 24% year-on-year.
These numbers reflect a broader economic trend: the Chinese middle class is increasingly turning to gold as a safe-haven investment, especially amid global inflation pressures and financial uncertainty.
Global Market Impact: A Discovery at a Critical Time
This monumental discovery arrives as global interest in gold skyrockets. The metal has become one of the world’s most sought-after assets in 2025 due to:
- Weakening USD
- Persistent geopolitical tensions
- Reserve diversification by emerging economies
- Concerns over long-term global market stability
Analysts suggest that China’s newly discovered reserves could strengthen its position as a major player in the global gold market, helping the country reduce reliance on imported precious metals while boosting strategic reserves.
A Rapid Exploration Project Completed in Record Time
One aspect that caught international attention is the speed of the discovery.
For a field of this scale, completing full exploration in just 15 months is considered exceptionally fast.
The Liaoning Geology & Mining Group deployed:
- Nearly 1,000 experts
- Advanced geological survey equipment
- Modern drilling technologies
- High-precision mineral analysis tools
Experts say the discovery represents a new benchmark in China’s geological capabilities and shows the nation’s growing investment in resource security.
Strategic Importance for China’s Long-Term Resource Planning
China has been steadily enhancing its mineral resource map since the early 2000s.
This newly discovered mega-deposit may play a crucial role in:
- Strengthening China’s gold reserves
- Supporting future industrial and financial strategies
- Reducing dependency on global markets
- Increasing stability during economic disruptions
With central banks worldwide buying gold at historic levels, China’s new reserve could become a cornerstone of its broader financial defense strategy.
Will This Discovery Affect Global Gold Prices?
Experts remain divided.
Although the amount is significant, large deposits typically take years to fully develop.
However, the announcement alone may influence investor sentiment, potentially putting downward pressure on gold prices in the long term once production begins.
In the short term, analysts anticipate continued volatility, especially if global demand continues to rise.
A Turning Point for Chinese Geology
This discovery does not only highlight China’s mineral wealth — it reflects a broader national push toward resource independence, high-tech exploration, and geological innovation.
As the Ministry of Natural Resources continues to prioritize mineral mapping, further large-scale discoveries may follow in the coming years.
