China discovers ‘limitless’ energy source that could ‘power the country for 60,000 years’
China has reportedly discovered a massive thorium deposit that could provide enough energy to power the country for 60,000 years, according to a declassified national geological report. The discovery was made in the Bayan Obo mining complex in Inner Mongolia, an autonomous region in northern China. Scientists estimate that fully developing the deposit could yield one million tons of thorium.
The study identified 233 thorium-rich zones across the country and suggests that there are untapped thorium resources in China’s mining waste that could be extracted to reduce global dependence on fossil fuels. Researchers claim that five years of mining waste from the Bayan Obo iron ore mine alone contains enough thorium to meet the energy needs of the United States for over 1,000 years.
Thorium as an alternative energy source
Thorium is a naturally occurring, slightly radioactive element that has long been considered a possible alternative to uranium in nuclear reactors. Unlike uranium, thorium is not directly fissionable, but can be converted into uranium-233 – a material that can sustain a nuclear fission chain reaction.
In a liquid salt reactor (MSR), thorium is mixed with lithium fluoride and heated to 1,400 °C , where it undergoes a chain reaction when bombarded with neutrons. This process is more efficient than conventional uranium reactors, produces significantly less radioactive waste and reduces the risk of nuclear disasters.
China’s investments in thorium nuclear energy
China is investing heavily in thorium-based nuclear reactor technologies and has begun construction of the world’s first thorium molten salt reactor (TMSR) in the Gobi Desert. The plant will generate 10 megawatts of electricity and is expected to be operational by 2029.
Beijing sees thorium reactors as a central part of its long-term energy strategy to become independent of coal and imported fossil fuels.
Thorium is estimated to be 500 times more abundant than uranium-235, the main fuel in conventional nuclear reactors. According to the World Nuclear Association, thorium can deliver up to 200 times more energy than uranium, making it a promising alternative for the future of nuclear energy.
Challenges and future developments
Despite its potential, the cost-effective promotion and commercial development of thorium reactors remains a challenge.
This discovery comes as China continues to push ahead with plans for 24 new nuclear power plants by 2030 and massively expands its investment in nuclear power generation. As the thorium reactor program advances, scientists continue to study the long-term use of thorium as an energy source.
A Beijing-based geologist who asked not to be identified said thorium is widely available and its large-scale use could contribute to a more stable energy supply.
yogaesoteric
March 7, 2025
