Guizhou turns mineral resources into economic advantages

Guizhou is advancing refined mining to boost economic growth. [Photo/ddcpc website]

Abundant with resources, Guizhou's rich mineral deposits represent a significant comparative advantage. The province ranks among the country’s top 10 regarding reserves of 49 minerals, including coal, phosphorus, aluminum, and manganese. Over 137 mineral species have been discovered, accounting for 80 percent of identified minerals nationwide.

Guizhou has concentrated on precise exploration, accurate mineral allocation, meticulous mining, and deep processing of minerals by refining mining for richer resources. This strategy aims to transform resource advantages into industrial, economic, and developmental benefits, leading to the high-quality development of industrial modernization.

In 2024, Guizhou's Non-ferrous Metals and Nuclear Industry Geological Exploration Bureau discovered three large to medium-sized bauxite deposits. The bureau is also expected to find two super-large and four large phosphate ore deposits.

In recent years, Qianxinan Bouyei and Miao autonomous prefecture made the energy industry a key pillar in strengthening the local economy, promoting its transformation and upgrading with a more optimized industrial structure.

The focus has been on building a full-chain energy industry model based on coal, powered by electricity, centered on the grid, and culminating in production. This will ensure that by 2027, the energy industry’s output will exceed 50 billion yuan ($6.82 billion).

With its rich phosphorus resources, Qiannan Bouyei and Miao autonomous prefecture has focused on deep-processing material industries, with modern chemical and new energy battery materials as the leading sectors.

The potential economic value of the 10 major mineral resources in Guizhou is estimated to reach 113.9 trillion yuan, with extractable value reaching 62.4 trillion yuan. Refining mining for richer resources is heralding a bright future for the province's economy.