6.067 million metric tons of manganese deposit found in SW China

A huge manganese deposit with an overall reserve estimated to exceed 6.067 million metric tons is discovered in Maoliwan, southwest China's Sichuan Province. (Screenshot photo)

(ECNS) -- China has discovered a huge manganese deposit with an overall reserve estimated to exceed 6.067 million metric tons in Maoliwan, Sichuan Province, according to the local natural resource department on Wednesday.

After a long exploration, the Maowanli project has identified a resource of 4.628 million metric tons of manganese within the survey area. Additionally, an estimated deposit of 1.439 million metric tons of manganese has been found in an area adjacent to the mining region, bringing the total to 6.067 million metric tons.

In the exploration area, the resource scale of a single ore body has reached a medium size, solving the challenges and uncertainties that have plagued manganese ore research in northwest Sichuan for over 50 years.

This discovery is of great significance in reducing China's dependence on imported manganese ore and ensuring the security of national strategic mineral resources. Sichuan Province has added 8.1662 million metric tons of manganese ore resources during the 14th Five-Year Plan period.

Manganese is an essential raw material for industries, including steel, new energy, and advanced materials. (By Li Yan)