Tibet's mineral wealth

Chinese geologists have disclosed one of the closely-held secrets that motivated the nation to spend US$3.7 billion on the Tibet railway: the discovery of large mineral deposits that may reduce the nation’s dependence on mineral imports.

On 29th January it was reported by the Chinese Official News Agency Xinhua, that 16 large copper, lead, zinc, iron iron and crude oil deposits along the railway are expected to yield 18 million tons of copper, and 10 million tons of lead and zinc.

it is estimated that the one copper deposit on Qulong has a reserve of 7.89 million tons and that the three main despoists in Qulong, Pulang and Yangla regions, will add 26.78 million tons of copper to China’s reserves. 

Let's hope that the mines that will no doubt spring up in the areas do not erode the natural heritage of the beautiful Tibetan landscape or destroy the natural heritage of the Tibetan people.