China's Copper Discoveries Surge on Qinghai-Tibet Plateau: 20 Million Tonnes Added Since 2021

China Copper mining

Major Mining Projects Expand as China Bolsters Domestic Copper Reserves

China has significantly expanded its copper resources, discovering over 20 million tonnes (mn t) on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau between 2021 and 2024. This discovery doubles the total amount found in the preceding five years (2016-2020), marking a substantial increase in China's domestic copper reserves.

Key Mining Projects and Resource Potential

The Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, a region rich in mineral deposits, hosts several major copper mines, including Yulong, Duolong, Julong-Jiama, and Xiongcun-Zhunuo. According to a China Geological Survey report released on January 7th, these mines have a projected resource potential of 150 mn t.

Zijin Mining's Expansion

Zijin Mining, a prominent Chinese diversified metals mining company, commenced operations at the Yulong copper mine, China's second-largest single copper deposit, in November 2023. The company also began commercial production at its Julong copper mine in Tibet in December 2021. Zijin plans to launch the second phase of the Julong mine in the first quarter of 2026, increasing its copper production from 154,000 t in 2023 to 300,000-350,000 t/yr. A third phase is also planned, aiming to expand output to 600,000 t/yr, although the construction timeline is yet to be announced.

Furthermore, Zijin is set to launch the 76,000 t/yr Zhunuo copper mine in Tibet in June 2026. The company also holds a 45% stake in the Xiongcun mine, with the remaining 55% owned by Jinchuan Group.

Other Mining Developments

China Gold International Resources, a Canada-based mining firm, anticipates copper output at its Jiama copper mine in Tibet to rise to 63,000-67,000 t in 2025, up from 43,200-44,500 t in the previous year, following the resumption of operations in 2024. The company confirmed that the January 7th earthquake in Tibet did not impact operations at the Jiama mine.

Additionally, copper resources at the Duobaoshan mine in Heilongjiang province were revised upwards by 3.65 mn t following an exploration in June 2024.