Wedoany.com Report-Jul. 21, The China Atomic Energy Authority (CAEA) announced the discovery of the world’s deepest sandstone-type industrial uranium mineralization at 1,820 meters in the Tarim Basin, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. This breakthrough establishes a new global record for such deposits and highlights China’s advanced capabilities in deep-earth uranium exploration.

The find marks China’s first identification of thick industrial uranium mineralization within the reddish, variegated strata of a previously unexplored desert area in the Tarim Basin, the country’s largest desert-covered region. Uranium exploration focuses on locating deposits with industrial value, evaluating their potential for development. This mineralization serves as a reliable indicator for identifying viable uranium deposits.

A CAEA spokesperson stated: “The discovery plays an exemplary and leading role in sandstone uranium exploration and will significantly enhance China’s capability and expertise in uranium resource exploration in desert regions.” The achievement overcomes previous theoretical constraints on sandstone-type uranium ore formation, demonstrating China’s expertise in this field.

The exploration effort has developed a green, efficient technology system tailored for desert environments, enabling breakthroughs in new areas, stratigraphic layers, deposit types, and unprecedented depths. This system has facilitated the identification of significant uranium resources, filling a critical gap in mineral prospecting within the Tarim Basin.

The discovery strengthens China’s position as a leader in global uranium exploration, particularly in challenging desert regions. It is expected to enhance the country’s uranium resource development capabilities, supporting sustainable energy goals. The CAEA emphasized that this milestone will guide future exploration efforts, improving techniques and expanding the potential for uranium resource extraction in similar environments.