Shandong Gold Group held a press conference on the 10th unveiling the exploration results of the Xiling Gold Mine. The findings from the Shandong region revealed a staggering 592 tons of gold and 590 tons of silver in the Xiling Gold Mine area, presenting a potential economic value exceeding 200 billion RMB.
It was reported that on May 17th, news had emerged about the discovery of China’s largest single gold deposit in Laizhou, Shandong, totaling 580 tons and estimated to be worth over 200 billion RMB. However, the latest update on August 10th indicates that the explored gold surpasses 592 tons, setting a new record once again.
During the press conference held in Jinan, Shandong on the 10th, Shandong Gold Group highlighted their exploration success in the Jiaodong mining district, which also happens to be the world’s third-largest gold mining region. The discovery took place in the Xiling Gold Mine, a single largest and deepest gold deposit bed, spanning elevations from -1000 meters to -2500 meters. The deposit’s maximum strike length extends to 2085 meters, with a maximum dip of 2057 meters and an average thickness of 8.13 meters. The thickest part reaches 66.52 meters, containing a verified gold ore volume of 147 million tons, with an average grade of 4.02 grams per ton. If mined at a production scale of 3.3 million tons per year, this deposit could serve the mining operation for over 40 years.
The Xiling Gold Mine, initially reported with a metal content of 382.58 tons of gold in 2017, has since added 209.606 tons to its metal content, accumulating a total of 592.186 tons of gold and an accompanying 590 tons of silver. The potential economic value is projected to exceed 200 billion RMB.
The press conference emphasized the significant economic and research value of the Xiling Gold Mine. It not only enriches and refines the gold ore theories in the Jiaodong region but also provides a reference model for China’s deep-sea exploration efforts and the expansion of existing gold-rich areas. Moreover, it contributes to the establishment of a “world-class gold production base,” laying a strong foundation for strategic mineral resource reserves.
According to domestic media reports, the exploration of the Xiling Gold Mine spanned 23 years from survey to exploration. Shandong Gold Group invested approximately 880 million RMB, conducting 180 borehole constructions and completing mechanical core drilling of over 300,000 meters, including 50 boreholes deeper than 2000 meters. The project also involved the design and execution of the “China’s First Deep Drilling for Gold Exploration,” with a final hole depth of 4006.17 meters.
Shandong Gold Group established comprehensive mining models for the Jiaodong Fault Zone and innovative exploration models. Their research on “Three-Dimensional Comprehensive Exploration Techniques with Integrated Geological Information” facilitated the development of critical integrated technologies like “limiting the depth of drill pipe columns,” “salt-resistant and high-temperature drilling fluids,” and “small-diameter wireline coring directional drilling.” These advancements ensured the successful implementation of deep-sea drilling operations and propelled China’s deep-sea exploration technology, providing vital research support and technical assurance for further exploration achievements.