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The world's largest gold deposit may have been discovered in China and could completely change the international market. Check out the details below about the new gold deposit and why it is gaining prominence!
World's largest gold deposit discovered? Since the dawn of civilization, gold has been a source of fascination and a symbol of power, wealth and economic security. Today, despite the digitalization of economies and the emergence of cryptocurrencies, the precious metal continues to play a fundamental role in the international reserves and financial stability of many countries.
In late 2024, Chinese geologists announced the discovery of a gigantic underground gold deposit, with the potential to become the largest deposit in the world. The discovery could not only reposition China on the global mining scene, but also have significant impacts on the international economy.
Gold deposit discovered in Hunan may contain up to 1,000 tons of gold
The discovery was announced on November 20, 2024 by the Hunan Provincial Geology and Mineral Resources Bureau (GPHB). The deposit is located in the Wangu Mountains in the northeast of the province and has proven promising after in-depth geological analysis.
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Initially, experts estimated around 330 tons of the precious metal. However, more recent surveys indicate that the deposit may contain up to 1.000 tons of gold, distributed in approximately 40 geological layers, at depths reaching 3.000 meters below the surface.
According to the state news agency Xinhua, if this data is confirmed, the estimated value of the deposit would exceed the 600 billion yuan - about US $ 82,6 billion in the current quote.
High quality gold: 138 grams per ton of ore
One of the factors that increase the importance of the new deposit is the high concentration of gold in the extracted ore. According to official data, each ton of rock contains, on average, 138 grams of gold, an index that classifies the deposit as one of the richest in purity among the deposits known worldwide.
Additionally, geologists have identified indications of gold in adjacent areas, which suggests that the reserve may be even more extensive than initially estimated.
Global and regional economic impacts
The discovery of this deposit in Chinese territory could alter the global balance of the gold market. expanded supply of metal tends to affect international prices, influencing economies that depend on exports of gold, investment funds, central banks e até currencies that have gold as backing.
Internally, the expectation is that the Wangu region will start to attract large investments, both public and private. According to the Latin American economic policy blog Economic Focus, mining projects of this size usually generate growth in local GDP, increase in per capita consumption e reduction of poverty rates.
Studies of World Bank also indicate that mining regions are more likely to experience socioeconomic advances when there is responsible management of generated resources e reinvestment in infrastructure and education.
Social and environmental challenges
Despite the great economic potential, the exploration of the largest gold deposit in the world raises environmental and social concerns. The intensification of industrial activity may lead to ecological impacts, such as deforestation, groundwater contamination and displacement of traditional communities.
Experts argue that gold extraction in the Wangu region must be accompanied by rigorous environmental impact studies e mitigation measures, ensuring that development occurs in a sustainable and balanced way.
China as a gold mining powerhouse
In 2023, China was the world's largest gold producer, with approximately 370 tons extracted, according to data from World Gold Council. Still, the country faces a mismatch between production and internal demand, since Chinese consumption exceeds the amount produced annually.
With the new deposit, this scenario could change. Self-sufficiency in gold production could strengthen China's geopolitical position, in addition to reducing its dependence on imports and strengthening its currency in international negotiations.
Will Chinese gold reach the more competitive market?
China makes this announcement after purchasing one of the largest mineral reserves in the Brazilian Amazon. Just search on Google to see how much mineral was seized and sent illegally to China. Very strange, given that the technology for mapping subsoil via satellite is old and only now have they discovered this reserve.
parabéns