A significant strontium ore deposit has been unearthed in Lishui district, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, marking a major breakthrough in mineral exploration. The Geological Survey of Jiangsu Province revealed that the deposit contains an estimated 545,000 metric tons of ore and 265,000 tons of minerals, with an impressive average grade of 48.65 percent. Strontium, a critical rare metal, plays a pivotal role in advanced technologies, particularly in the production of special ceramics and magnetic alloys. Its compounds enhance dielectric properties and mechanical strength in ceramics, while improving the performance of magnetic alloys used in high-end electronic devices. Recognized as a Critical Raw Material by the European Commission in 2020, strontium’s discovery holds immense strategic and economic value. Professor Tan Hongbing from Hohai University emphasized the deposit’s significance, noting its high grade and substantial reserves, which make it highly viable for mining. He also highlighted its potential to guide future exploration efforts, given its relatively shallow depth of less than one kilometer. Jiangsu Province has long been a hub for strontium mining, with a history dating back to the 1960s. The new discovery, located in the Lishui volcanic basin near Aijing Mountain, complements earlier findings in Houfang village, solidifying the region’s status as a key strontium-bearing zone. Over four years, the Geological Survey meticulously mapped the basin, overcoming challenges posed by 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 breakthrough has led to the proposal of a new exploration strategy for polymetallic resources, offering fresh insights into the geological processes governing strontium and related minerals. The discovery not only reinforces China’s dominance in strontium mining, accounting for over 60 percent of global reserves, but also promises to bolster the nation’s high-tech industries, ensuring a steady supply of this critical resource.
