Current Gold Prospecting in China

In China, there are 12 types of gold deposits in 57 class‐III metallogenic zones, formed in 7 main metallogenic periods. Most gold deposits are small or occur as ore spots; very large deposits are rare with relatively poor quality, mainly medium to low grade. Only 35% of the total gold reserves is identified, while a large amount of reserves is yet to be identified. In recent years, China Geological Survey has organized or conducted mineral resources survey and evaluation project, replacement resources prospecting for deposits in crisis, old mines prospecting and commercial prospecting funded or encouraged by the Central Government. These efforts have been fruitful. According to the temporal and spatial allocation of gold resources, and experiences from recent prospecting efforts, western China and the deep layers and peripheries of the‐sits in eastern China have relatively high prospecting potential. The government should give even more support to the gold industry and strengthen technological innovation to help address difficulties in gold exploitation and processing. The government should also formulate consistent plans, consolidate mining rights, and promote integrated exploration, so as to achieve new major breakthroughs in gold prospecting. Gold is both a form of material wealth and a way of storing wealth. It is a rare resource with dual functions of commodity and currency. As an important global strategic asset and a cornerstone of financial reserves, gold plays an irreplaceable role in securing national economic development, maintaining financial security, strengthening national comprehensive power and promoting RMB internationalization. Based on latest research and prospecting results, the thesis proposes preliminary conclusions on types, temporal and spatial allocation, and exploration and development of gold deposits in China; predicts China's gold resource potential; reviews recent gold prospecting and exploration efforts; and, in the hope of offering some reference for the new round of gold prospecting, exploration and planning, offers some suggestions.