Zhang Meili, a researcher of the Information Center of the Ministry of Land and Resources, said at the "Seventh China Nonferrous Metals Industry Chain Development Forum" held in Beijing from April 15 to 20 that in the next five years, China's proven copper resource reserves will still increase significantly. The western region is the main area for increasing resource reserves, of which Xizang's proven copper resource reserves are expected to reach 40 million tons. In addition, Xinjiang's resource reserves are expected to surpass those of Jiangxi and Yunnan provinces, entering the ranks of provinces (regions) with resource reserves exceeding 10 million tons.
According to data from the Ministry of Land and Resources, the investment in copper mineral exploration in China was 3.161 billion yuan in 2009. From 2001 to 2009, the average annual growth rate of copper mineral exploration investment reached 51.59%, greatly exceeding the average annual growth rate of China's GDP. The corresponding average annual growth rate of identified copper reserves reached 1.87%. In recent years, 21 large and super large copper mining areas have been newly discovered.
The amount of subsequent commercial exploration funding will determine the amount of resources upgraded to basic reserves and also determine the development period of these mining areas. Zhangmei suggested that copper resources in the western region should be developed and utilized in a modern and large-scale way. Xizang has a fragile ecological environment and energy shortage. Mineral development should focus on mining and dressing industry, and try to avoid developing smelting industry.
