China has unearthed one of the world’s largest gold deposits in Hunan Province’s Wangu gold field, estimated to hold over 1,000 tonnes of gold.
Valued at nearly a trillion kronor, this massive find marks a significant milestone for China’s mining industry. The deposit, located 2,000 to 3,000 meters underground, boasts exceptional concentrations of up to 138 grams of gold per tonne of ore—far surpassing the usual 1–5 grams per tonne found in most mines.
The discovery relied on cutting-edge 3D geological modeling, which combines drill sample data and geophysical surveys to create detailed maps of ore veins, enabling efficient extraction planning. Chen Rulin, an ore exploration expert, highlighted the visible gold found in several drill cores, emphasizing the deposit’s remarkable quality.
Already the world’s largest gold producer, China contributes 11% of global output with an annual production of 368.3 tonnes. However, domestic demand—driven by jewelry, electronics, and central bank investments—outpaces production. This new find is expected to bolster China’s gold reserves and reinforce its influence in the global market.
Beyond its economic impact, the discovery showcases the potential of advanced mining technologies to uncover even larger reserves. Preliminary surveys suggest the current deposit may represent only a fraction of the area’s total gold resources. Further exploration is planned, particularly in deeper and peripheral zones, with hopes of uncovering additional wealth beneath Hunan’s soil.
