China has made a significant leap in its copper resources. It uncovered over 20 million tonnes (mn t) of new copper deposits on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau between 2021 and 2024. This discovery represents a doubling of the total copper resources found in the preceding five-year period (2016-2020). Consequently, this signals a major boost to the nation’s domestic copper supply.
The Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, known for its rich mineral deposits, is the site of several key copper mines. These include Yulong, Duolong, Julong-Jiama, and Xiongcun-Zhunuo. According to a report released on January 7th by the China Geological Survey, these mines hold a projected resource potential of 150 mn t.
Expansion and Production Increases
Zijin Mining, a leading Chinese diversified metals mining company, began operations at the Yulong copper mine. It is China’s second-largest single copper deposit. The company also commenced 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. This will increase its copper production from 154,000 t in 2023 to 300,000-350,000 t/yr. A third phase aimed at expanding output to 600,000 t/yr is also in the works. However, the construction timeline has yet to be disclosed.
Additionally, 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.
China Gold International Resources, a Canada-based mining firm, expects copper output at its Jiama copper mine in Tibet to rise to 63,000-67,000 t in 2025. This is up from 43,200-44,500 t in the previous year. This follows the resumption of operations in 2024. The company confirmed that the January 7th earthquake in Tibet did not affect operations at the Jiama mine.
Furthermore, copper resources at the Duobaoshan mine in Heilongjiang province were revised upwards by 3.65 mn t. This followed an exploration in June 2024.
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