A significant strontium ore deposit has been unearthed in the Lishui district of Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, according to the Geological Survey of Jiangsu. The deposit, located at a depth of less than 1 kilometer, contains an estimated 545,000 metric tons of ore and 265,000 tons of minerals, with an average grade of 48.65 percent. Strontium, classified as a critical rare metal, is essential for manufacturing special ceramic materials and magnetic alloys, which are vital components in high-end electronic devices. The European Commission recognized strontium as a Critical Raw Material in 2020, underscoring its global importance. Professor Tan Hongbing of Hohai University highlighted the deposit’s high grade and substantial reserves, emphasizing its significant mining value. He also noted that China holds over 60 percent of the world’s proven strontium reserves, reinforcing its leading role in the global strontium market. The discovery, located near the Aijing Mountain deposit in the Lishui volcanic basin, marks a continuation of Jiangsu’s rich history in strontium mining, which dates back to the 1960s. The Geological Survey of Jiangsu conducted a four-year study to map the basin, overcoming challenges such as dense human activity. Their research identified five concealed strontium ore bodies in the Mashantou area, along with deposits of copper, lead-zinc, and pyrite. This discovery not only enhances Jiangsu’s mineral wealth but also provides valuable insights for future strontium exploration.
