渑185 million tons of bauxite mine in the Dianchi coal under the aluminum project
August 10 13:30:35, 2025
Abstract Recently, news emerged from the Sixth Geological Brigade of the Henan Non-ferrous Geology and Mineral Resources Bureau that the coal-to-aluminum exploration project in Cao Kiln, located west of Mianchi County, has made a significant discovery. Following a preliminary survey, bauxite resources were estimated at 185 million tons, surpassing the initial target of 152 million tons. This promising find marks a major breakthrough in the region's mineral exploration efforts.
In recent years, to address the growing resource challenges, the province has prioritized strategic exploration initiatives, with a particular focus on identifying bauxite deposits beneath coal seams. Among the 88 self-owned exploration areas currently under the province’s management, 15 projects are specifically targeting coal-under-aluminum resources. The Cao Kiln project, part of the West Coal Under Aluminum Survey, is one of these key initiatives.
To date, 33.8 million yuan has been allocated for the exploration, with a total drilling volume of 479.51 meters and 195 boreholes drilled. Out of these, 97 holes have encountered bauxite, 25 have found iron ore, and 26 have revealed clay deposits. These findings not only confirm the potential of the area but also highlight the effectiveness of targeted geological surveys in unlocking new mineral reserves.
This discovery could significantly boost the region’s economic development and support the long-term sustainability of aluminum production in the province. With further detailed exploration and analysis, the full extent of the bauxite reserves may be even more substantial than currently estimated.