China Taps 5.56M Tonnes

China has begun mining iron from tailings, a low-grade ore that can meet its demand for decades, thanks to a breakthrough in processing technology. A production line capable of processing 5.56 million tonnes of refractory iron ore and tailings per year has been launched, marking a significant step towards reducing the country's dependence on iron ore imports.

The new production line has passed official checks and is now running steadily, according to the Chinese Academy of Sciences. This development is crucial for China, which has the fourth-largest iron ore reserves in the world. However, most of these reserves are low grade, and nearly half are too hard and costly to process with standard methods.

The new technology aims to make these hard-to-use ores viable, which could fundamentally strengthen China's ability to secure its own iron resources. This is a significant breakthrough, as it could reduce China's heavy dependence on imports of the strategic commodity. State broadcaster CCTV reported that the technology has the potential to meet China's demand for iron ore for decades to come.

## Why it matters The ability to mine iron from tailings is a game-changer for China, which has long relied on imports to meet its iron ore needs. By reducing its dependence on foreign suppliers, China can improve its energy security and reduce its exposure to fluctuations in the global market. This development is also a significant step towards utilizing the country's vast iron ore reserves, which have previously been underutilized due to the high cost of processing.

## What happens next As the new production line ramps up, China is likely to see a significant reduction in its iron ore imports. This could have a ripple effect on the global market, potentially affecting prices and supply chains. However, the exact impact will depend on various factors, including the scale of production and the quality of the ore being extracted.