China discovers huge gold mine deep in the sea

A team of Chinese researchers has discovered a vast deep-sea mineral deposit in the western Pacific Ocean. The expedition was conducted aboard the research vessel Xiangyanghong 10, an area within the country's exclusive economic zone. 

During this 18-day long expedition, researchers discovered this new mineral field at depths of 700 to 1,500 meters using a submersible.

Initial tests of ore samples collected from hot sea water sources, or hydrothermal vents, have shown that the amount of gold and silver in the soil here is much higher than in any land mine. 

Some samples have yielded up to 15.4 grams of gold and 1,271 grams of silver per tonne of ore. This mineral deposit contains significant quantities of polymetallic sulphides, along with important metals such as copper and zinc, which is equivalent to a world-class seabed mine. 

In addition, various marine animals have been observed roaming around this extreme environment. However, due to the intense pressure and complex conditions of the deep sea, it is not possible to extract these mineral resources right now, researchers said.

Source: Global Times .