China has discovered a 'endless' energy source that can supply sufficient fuel to supply the country with electricity for 60,000 years, geologists in Beijing claimed.
The Bayan OBO mining complex in Inner Mongolia, an autonomous region of North China, could contain enough thorium to deliver the Chinese household energy -requirements 'almost forever', according to a national survey.
Scientists estimate that the mining complex could yield 1 million tonnes of thorium if it is fully operated, according to the South China Post, which has obtained a declared report of the survey.
The study has claimed that thorium sources in the mine waste of the country 'remain completely untouched' and if it is well extracted, could be large enough to end the global dependence on Fossil fuels.
Researchers also claim that five years of mining waste from a iron ore in Inner Mongolia contains sufficient thorium to meet American energy requirements for more than 1000 years.
The study identified 233 thorium -rich zones throughout the country and, if accurately, suggests that thorium reserves in China considerably exceed earlier estimates.
China, which started building the world's first thorium melted salt nuclear power plant, was previously supposed to have enough thorium reserves to meet its energy needs for 20,000 years.
The Bayan Obo Mining Complex in Inner Mongolia, an autonomous region of North China, could contain sufficient thorium to deliver the Chinese household energy requirements 'almost forever', reportedly found a national survey
The study identified 233 thorium -rich zones throughout the country and, if accurately, suggests that thorium reserves in China considerably exceed earlier estimates. China approved the construction of the world's very first Thorium Molten-Salt Reactors (TMSR) factory in the Gobi desert last year. Displayed: Chinese President Xi Jinping on February 5, 2025
'For more than a century, nations have kept wars about fossil fuels. It appears that the endless energy source is right under our feet, “a researcher established in Beijing, who spoke about the condition of anonymity, told the South China Post.
The expert, who explains the meaning of the discovery, claimed 'every nation has Thorium' and argued that its use could give a revolution to the energy industry.
“Imagine that cargo ships are powered by reactors the size of a container that crossed years without refueling,” said the geologist.
China approved the construction of the world's very first Thorium Molten-Salt Reactors (TMSR) factory in the Gobi desert last year.
The reactor is expected to generate 10 megawatt electricity, according to a report from Shanghai Nuclear Engineering Research and Design Institute.
Beijing claims that the factory will be operational by 2029 and help China achieve 'energy dependence'.
Researchers worldwide teases the use of Thorium – a naturally occurring, somewhat radioactive metal – as a primary energy source for many years.
Thorium is found more easily in nature than uranium and can also generate 200 times more energy than uranium, according to the World Nuclear Association.
Labourors work on a rare nature mine in Bayan Obo Mine Area on November 28, 2010 in Baotou, Inner Mongolia of China
But the World Nuclear Association warns that the element extraht in a way that is cost -effective remains a challenge.
Thorium is not usable in itself in a thermal neutron reactor, because it is not split. But it is 'fruitful', which means that it transfers to Uranium-233 (U-233) when it is bombed with neutrons.
Researchers say that the use of thorium in melted salt reactors would produce less toxic waste in the long term and could be re -processed again.
Thorium exploration, which requires an important investment for research and development, mainly occurs in China.
The US has also evaluated a series of thorium -based fuel cycles.
