SteelOrbis Shanghai
The Institute of Mineral Resources of the Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences has completed its research report entitled, "Assessment of China's Mineral Resources". The report identifies a total of 2,974 iron mines in China, of which 121 are categorized as large-scale mines.
According to the report's assessment, China's iron ore reserves total 59.4 billion mt at present, with 26.66 billion mt of reserves already in use and 32.72 billion mt so far unused. Of the already-in-use iron ore reserves, Liaoning Province accounts for 8.86 billion mt, ranked in first position. Meanwhile, Sichuan Province with 7.86 billion mt holds the greatest quantities of untapped iron ore reserves. The general quality of the output from the Chinese mines is poor, with an average iron content of just 30-35 percent.