High-Grade Iron Ore Discovered in Shandong

Breakthrough in Iron Ore Prospecting

A major breakthrough in iron ore prospecting has been achieved by the Shandong Coalfield Geology Bureau’s geophysical survey team. High-grade iron ore was discovered in the Laiwu area, with an estimated horizontal projection area of 62,000 square meters. This success results from the advanced application of multivariate geophysical methods in skarn iron ore prospecting.

Details of the Ore Discovery

The average total iron grade in the drilled holes is 53.38%, with a magnetic iron grade of 51.28%. A single sample recorded the highest total iron grade at 61.30%. The ore layer has a vertical thickness of 3.25 meters, and two prospecting areas have been delineated, estimating a resource of 579,700 tons of iron ore. Environmentally friendly drilling technology was used, earning the project the “Shandong Province Green Exploration Demonstration Project” designation.

Geological and Technical Insights

The survey area is located on the arc-shaped anticline belt of Yanshanian tectonic activity. The Early Cretaceous mantle-derived mixed crustal action’s neutral diorite provides the material basis for the ore deposit. The survey utilized multiple geophysical methods such as gravity and magnetism to infer the extension of deep ore bodies, supported by drilling verification and geophysical logging.

Strategic Importance of Iron-Rich Ore

Iron-rich ore is a strategic mineral resource in short supply in China. While over 80 billion tons of iron ore have been proven, only about 2 billion tons have an iron content above 50%, and these resources are scattered. Currently, China has seven major large-scale mining areas, with most rich iron ore resources located in about 300 mining areas. Only a few large-scale rich iron ore mines, such as the Gongchangling Iron Mine No. 2 in Liaoyang City, Liaoning Province, Shilu Iron Mine in Hainan Province, and Zhangjiawa Iron Mine in Laiwu District, Shandong Province, can be mined separately.

Future Prospects

As exploration in Laiwu deepens, the region is expected to increase its iron ore resources. This will significantly alleviate the severe shortage of rich iron ore in China and improve the security of the country’s iron ore resources.