China discovers large underwater mineral area with high gold and silver content

A Chinese research expedition has identified a large underwater mineral area in the western Pacific Ocean containing significant quantities of gold and silver. The newly discovered site is characterized by high temperatures and active hydrothermal activity.

During the expedition, involving Tsinghua University, the China Geological Survey's Qingdao Institute of Marine Geology, and Shanghai Jiao Tong University, a large high-temperature hydrothermal zone was located. Initial surveys suggest the area has the potential for large-scale polymetallic sulfide mineral resources.

The research vessel "Xiangyanghong 10" departed Shenzhen on August 10 and spent 18 days conducting seven dives in the depths of a back-arc basin within China's exclusive economic zone in the western Pacific. Previous explorations in the region had identified dozens of high-temperature hydrothermal vents at depths between 700 and 1500 meters, with fluid temperatures exceeding 315 degrees Celsius.

Preliminary analysis of samples from the site, collected through detailed surveys and in-situ sampling, indicates the mineral body comprises three large cone-shaped structures. Some samples showed gold content up to 15.4 ppm and silver content up to 1271 ppm. These average metal concentrations significantly exceed those found in terrestrial deposits.

The discovery is expected to provide valuable insights into the nature of underwater mineral deposits and their potential for future exploitation.