Copper jackpot on Tibetan Plateau: China unveils game-changing discovery

Indian Defence Review features in a news article that hidden beneath the rugged terrain of China's Tibetan Plateau, a game-changing discovery is set to reshape the global copper market. 

With over 20 million tons of copper unearthed and the potential for much more, this vast deposit positions China at the heart of the race for one of the world’s most critical resources. As demand for copper soars with the green energy revolution, this breakthrough could alter the balance of power in both geopolitics and industry.

In a groundbreaking discovery, experts have identified a massive copper deposit on China’s Tibetan Plateau, exceeding 20 million tons. This newly found reserve is part of a much larger resource base, potentially totaling up to 150 million tons, making the Qinghai-Xizang region a significant player in global copper exploration and carrying far-reaching geopolitical and economic implications.

Once considered a remote and challenging region, the Qinghai-Xizang plateau has rapidly become a central hub for copper mining, with four major copper resource bases emerging in recent years. These include Yulong, Duolong, Julong-Jiama, and Xiongcun-Zhunuo, positioning the region among the most promising for copper mining worldwide.

The primary site alone holds over 20 million tons of high-quality copper ore, with surrounding deposits potentially adding up to 150 million tons. This discovery aligns with China’s ambitious efforts under its 14th Five-Year Plan to secure critical mineral resources and enhance its global standing.

Copper, a key component in green energy technologies such as electric vehicles (EVs), wind turbines, and solar panels, plays a vital role in the transition to sustainable energy. An electric vehicle uses up to four times more copper than a traditional combustion engine, and rising EV demand is escalating global pressure on copper supplies. Copper is also essential in expanding solar and wind energy, both of which are central to global efforts to combat climate change.

With demand for copper at an all-time high, the discovery could drastically impact the development of green energy solutions and bolster China’s energy strategy. Additionally, it strengthens China’s position as a dominant player in the global copper market, reducing its reliance on foreign imports.

Mining in the Tibetan Plateau presents numerous challenges due to the region's extreme altitude and harsh climate. In response, China is advancing innovative mining techniques, including autonomous drones and specialized drilling robots, to improve efficiency, safety, and reduce environmental impacts. These developments could set new standards for the global mining industry, influencing future resource extraction in other remote locations.

The discovery is poised to reshape global copper trade, with significant implications for supply chains, pricing, and international trade dynamics. As global copper demand continues to surge, China’s expanded influence may shift the global economic landscape, making other copper-producing nations, such as Chile, Australia, and Kazakhstan, closely monitor this development.

By Naila Huseynova