China Discovers Super-Large Uranium Deposit in Aeolian Sandstone, Boosting Reserves and Security

China Discovers Super-Large Uranium Deposit, Boosting Reserves and Security

China has made a significant breakthrough in its uranium exploration efforts, discovering a super-large uranium ore deposit in the Jingchuan area of the Ordos Basin. This discovery will significantly increase the country's uranium reserves and enhance the security of its resource supply.

The newly discovered deposit is located in the aeolian sandstone of the basin, marking the first time such a geological setting has yielded a uranium deposit. This discovery adds a new type of uranium ore to the known classifications and opens up new possibilities for exploration.

Aeolian sandstone is widely distributed in China, covering vast areas in the Ordos Basin, Tarim Basin, Junggar Basin, and Songliao Basin. This widespread presence suggests a high potential for finding additional uranium deposits, possibly leading to the discovery of even larger reserves.

The new type of uranium deposit shares advantages with conventional sandstone-hosted uranium deposits, including low mining costs, low pollution, and large deposit scales. This makes it an attractive resource for China's energy needs.

The discovery also has global implications, as aeolian sandstone-hosted uranium deposits have not been extensively mined worldwide. This opens up new avenues for exploration and resource development in other countries with similar geological formations.

China's exploration of sandstone-hosted uranium deposits began relatively late, with technology being introduced from the former Soviet Union in the late 1980s. However, through innovative exploration methods and the utilization of historical data from coal and oil exploration, researchers have been able to identify and revitalize potential uranium deposits. This has ultimately led to the recent discovery of the super-large uranium deposit in the Ordos Basin.

This discovery is a testament to China's commitment to securing its energy resources and developing innovative exploration techniques. It also highlights the potential for further discoveries in the future, contributing to a more secure and sustainable energy future for the country.