China has recently discovered an abundant and potentially endless energy source that could provide enough fuel to power the country for 60,000 years, according to geologists in Beijing. The Bayan Obo mining complex, located in Inner Mongolia, is believed to contain vast amounts of thorium, a slightly radioactive element that can be used in molten-salt reactors to generate nuclear power, reportedly providing enough fuel to meet China’s household energy demands ‘almost forever,’ according to a national survey.
The complex is estimated to contain 1 million tonnes of thorium if fully exploited, with some researchers claiming that mining waste from a nearby iron ore site in Inner Mongolia holds enough thorium to meet American energy demands for over 1,000 years. The survey also identified 233 thorium-rich zones across China, suggesting the country’s thorium reserves are far larger than previously thought.
Thorium is 500 times more abundant than uranium-232, which is used in conventional nuclear reactors. Though thorium itself is not fissile, it can be converted into uranium-233 when bombarded with neutrons, which then undergoes fission, generating energy. Molten-salt reactors, which use thorium mixed with lithium fluoride and heated to high temperatures, could theoretically provide a nearly limitless power source. This type of reactor produces significantly less nuclear waste and reduces the risk of meltdowns due to the lower amounts of fissile material.
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China, which has already started building the world’s first thorium molten-salt reactor, aims to achieve “energy independence” with thorium-based power. The first plant, expected to generate 10 megawatts of electricity, is slated to be operational by 2029. Experts have long believed thorium could be a solution to the growing demand for nuclear power, and China is leading the way in exploring its potential.
In addition to China, Russia and the US are also vying to expand their nuclear technologies, with the US looking into thorium-based fuel cycles as well. However, the technology remains costly and challenging to extract efficiently. Despite these hurdles, thorium exploration continues in China, and the country is heavily investing in civilian nuclear technology.
The broader geopolitical landscape also plays a role in nuclear energy developments. China’s efforts to strengthen its nuclear capabilities come amid growing competition from Russia and the US. In contrast, the US is seeking to secure access to critical minerals through deals such as the one with Ukraine, which includes rare earth elements and uranium used in nuclear power production. However, experts warn that China’s dominance in critical mineral supply chains and its advanced nuclear capabilities give it a considerable edge in the race for energy independence.
As the global nuclear energy race intensifies, thorium presents an exciting opportunity, especially for countries like China that are investing heavily in its potential to revolutionize the energy industry and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
For more updates be with Markedium.
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