Minerals

China has an impressive array of minerals, with over 200 types actively explored or mined. Here are some of the key minerals found in China:

Energy Minerals:

Coal: China's most abundant mineral resource, with major coal mining sites in northern and central China

Oil: China is a significant producer of crude petroleum

Natural Gas: China has substantial reserves of natural gas

Metallic Minerals:

Iron Ore: China is a major producer of iron ore, with significant reserves

Copper: China has substantial copper reserves and is a significant producer

Nickel: China is a notable producer of nickel ore

Tungsten: China has significant tungsten reserves and is a major producer

Antimony: China accounts for 54.5% of global antimony production

Gold: China is the world's fifth-largest producer of gold

Silver: China produced 2,450 tons of silver in 2004

Lithium: China is a world leader in refining lithium, with a 72% global share

Cobalt: China is a world leader in refining cobalt, with a 68% global share

Non-Metallic Minerals:

Gypsum: China is a significant producer of gypsum

Barite: China produces substantial amounts of barite

Magnesite: China has significant magnesite reserves

Talc: China is a notable producer of talc and related minerals

Fluorspar: China produces significant amounts of fluorspar

Zinc: China has substantial zinc reserves

Vanadium: China produced 40,000 tons of vanadium in 2004

Molybdenum: China produced 29,000 tons of molybdenum ore in 2004

Gemstones:

Jade: China is famous for its jade, particularly nephrite and jadeite

Sapphire: China produces sapphires, particularly in the southern provinces

Ruby: China produces rubies, although limited information is available

Garnet: China produces garnets, particularly pyrope garnets

Zircon: China produces zircon, often found with sapphire and garnet

Diamond: China produces diamonds, particularly in the Shandong province

Turquoise: China produces turquoise, particularly in the Hubei province

Cinnabar: China is known for its cinnabar, a mercury ore

Amber: China produces amber, particularly in the Fujian province

Peridot: China produces peridot, a gemstone variety

Opal: China produces opal, although limited information is available

Topaz: China produces topaz, a gemstone variety

Aquamarine: China produces aquamarine, a gemstone variety

Emerald: China produces emeralds, although limited information is available.