China has reported a major copper and gold discovery in Anhui province, with preliminary estimates indicating the area may contain several substantial copper deposits and more than 10 large gold deposits.

Initial assessments suggest the discovery could include several copper deposits containing more than 500,000 metric tons each, along with at least 10 gold deposits holding more than 20 metric tons apiece. Further geological assessments will be needed to establish the deposits’ total size and commercially recoverable reserves.

Copper is essential to electrical infrastructure, power generation, construction and manufacturing, while gold is used in electronics, jewelry and financial reserves. Large domestic discoveries could help China strengthen its mineral supply and reduce some reliance on imported resources.

China is already a major consumer of copper, driven by its manufacturing sector, expanding power grid and investments in electric vehicles and renewable energy. Securing additional domestic mineral resources is also important as countries compete for access to strategic raw materials.

The preliminary figures do not establish how quickly the deposits could be developed or how much of the estimated material could ultimately be extracted. Mining feasibility, extraction costs, environmental requirements, and infrastructure will help determine the discovery’s eventual economic value.