Abstract:
With the rapid development of technologies such as solar cells and aerospace, the demand for tellurium resources will gradually increase, and the supply gap of tellurium resources is approaching. Tellurium (Te) is an important mineral for strategic emerging industries and has a wide range of uses in modern national defense and industry as well as in emerging fields. Based on the research and compilation of the
Geology of mineral resources in China volume of dispersed metals, this paper further summarizes the characteristics of tellurium resources and the exploration, development and utilization in China, and concludes that the distribution of tellurium resources in China is relatively centralized, with one independent tellurium deposit (Dashugou, Sichuan) and four accompanying large-scale-extra-large tellurium mines (Daboshan, Chengmenshan, Jinchuan and Baijiazuizi), which have large potential for ore formation and room for finding ore. Although China’s cumulative proven tellurium resources ranking first in the world, its tellurium industry development is still in its infancy compared to the rest of the world. Moreover, its development and utilization heavily rely on the exploitation of host deposits. Therefore, overcoming this limitation becomes a key focus for future exploration, development, and utilization of tellurium resources in China. To ensure sustainable supply of tellurium resources, China should intensify exploration efforts, develop mining technologies for tellurium deposits, promote the development of the tellurium industry, reduce external dependencies, and increase domestic tellurium production and supply capacity. This will not only meet the needs of national economic development but also accelerate technological progress and enhance international competitiveness in tellurium-related industries in China.