China discovers 233 new nuclear Thorium reserves

A recent study published in the Geological Review, a Chinese scientific journal, has reported the discovery of 233 new Thorium deposits within Chinese territory. The identified sites are geographically dispersed across the nation, aligning with five primary geological belts, extending from Xinjiang to the coastal province of Guangdong, and including the Bayan Obo mining complex in Inner Mongolia. Preliminary assessments conducted by specialists from the National Geological Survey suggest that these deposits possess the potential to ensure the nation’s energy independence for a period exceeding 60,000 years. It is important to note that these estimates are provisional. The precise quantity of Thorium present in these 233 locations, as well as the extractable amount achievable with current technological capabilities, remains to be definitively ascertained. Thorium is located in deposits of magmatic and hydrothermal origin, frequently in association with rare earth elements. The specified regions coincide with previous iron ore extraction locations, and the thorium deposits are specifically located within the resultant waste materials. A notable benefit of Thorium lies in its increased natural abundance, occurring in clay minerals, soils, and marine environments. Thorium is frequently cited as a prospective substitute for uranium in generating nuclear energy via chain fission, offering enhanced efficiency and reduced environmental impact. At present, the People’s Republic of China is considered a global leader in the investigation and advancement of thorium-based electricity generation technologies.