China’s Ministry of Natural Resources announced Thursday the discovery of 38 new mineral reserve sites during the first half of 2025, marking a 31% increase compared to the same period last year.

The newly identified deposits include an estimated 3.37 million tons of rubidium and 81 tons of gold. The ministry stated that these discoveries are expected to significantly enhance the country’s natural resource security.

According to the official statement, China’s investment in mineral exploration surged by over 50% year-on-year, with a strategic focus on critical minerals such as tin, bauxite, tungsten, copper, and phosphate. These resources are considered essential to the aerospace, semiconductor, and green energy industries.