GK: Where Is Asia’s Largest Undersea Gold Deposit Located?

In a groundbreaking geological discovery, China has found its first-ever underwater gold deposit near Laizhou, off Yantai’s coast in Shandong province. Authorities have hailed it as the largest undersea gold find in Asia, according to the South China Morning Post. However, the exact size of the gold deposit is not yet reported. (Representative Image: AI-generated)

The discovery has increased Laizhou’s total proven gold reserves to over 3,900 tonnes (approximately 137.57 million ounces), now representing about 26% of China’s total reserves. (Representative Image: AI-generated)

According to Yantai’s city government, this discovery strengthens Laizhou’s status as China’s top region for both gold reserves and production, solidifying its position as a key player in the country’s gold industry. (Representative Image: AI-generated)

China is the world’s largest producer of gold ore, having mined approximately 377 tonnes (around 13.3 million ounces) last year, according to the China Gold Association. However, despite leading global production, it still lags behind countries like South Africa, Australia, and Russia in proven gold reserves. (File Photo)

The undersea gold find follows another major announcement made last month, when China revealed the discovery of its first super-large, low-grade gold deposit in Liaoning province in the country’s northeast. (File photo)

The deposit contains confirmed reserves of 1,444.49 tonnes (50.95 million ounces), making it the largest single gold discovery since the founding of the People’s Republic of China in 1949, according to the Ministry of Natural Resources. Reported in November, it marks the third gold deposit over 1,000 tonnes found in China in the past year. (Representative Image: AI-generated)

China reportedly invested 115.99 billion yuan (approximately $16.47 billion) in geological exploration last year. Since the start of the current five-year plan in 2021, total spending on mineral exploration has reached nearly 450 billion yuan, resulting in the discovery of around 150 mineral deposits, according to the Ministry of Natural Resources. (File Photo)