Potential and future direction for copper resource exploration in China

Copper deposits in China are mostly small- and medium-sized, with few large-scale ones. The average grade is low, with only 16.2% of rich copper resources (grade >1%). This article systematically summarizes the types of copper deposits in China and highlights that important copper-forming areas are distributed in the Bangongco–Nujiang metallogenic belt, Gangdise–Southern Xizang metallogenic belt, Southwest Sanjiang metallogenic belt, East Tianshan–Beishan metallogenic belt, Daxing'anling metallogenic belt, and Eastern Jihei metallogenic belt. The deployment of a new round of breakthroughs in mineral exploration is centered on the formation of 11 large resource camps (Geji, Xinlong, Duolong, Xiongcun–Zhunuo, Julong–Jiama–Bangpu, Yulong, Pulang, Lala–Dongchuan, Dexing, Duobaoshan, and Tuwu–Yandong). Copper reserves are expected to increase by 11.95 million tons by 2025, 20.2 million tons by 2030, and 26.9 million tons by 2035. Furthermore, two new copper resource camps will be established, and nine large-scale copper resource camps will be consolidated by then.