A groundbreaking discovery in China, recently published in the scientific journal Geological Review, reveals that the country may have far larger reserves of a radioactive metal than previously thought. The element in question, thorium, has the potential to revolutionize global energy production, offering a cleaner and more efficient alternative to traditional nuclear power. Experts suggest that the Bayan Obo mining complex alone could contain around one million tons of thorium—enough to supply energy to all of China for an astonishing 60,000 years.
Thorium, a silver-colored metal, is known for its ability to generate 200 times more energy than uranium, according to Interesting Engineering. Unlike conventional nuclear reactors, thorium-based molten salt reactors produce minimal radioactive waste, eliminating one of the biggest concerns surrounding nuclear energy. Additionally, these reactors do not require water-based cooling systems, making them safer and more environmentally friendly. With these advantages, thorium could pave the way for a new era of sustainable energy.
Despite its immense potential, extracting thorium presents major challenges. According to Dr. Fan Honghai, lead researcher at China’s National Laboratory for Uranium Resource Exploration, the reserves remain completely untapped due to the complex and costly extraction process. Large amounts of acid and energy are required to separate thorium from surrounding materials, making commercial-scale production difficult. A Beijing-based geologist, who spoke anonymously to the South China Morning Post, noted, “For over a century, nations have fought over fossil fuels. Yet, an unlimited energy source has been beneath our feet all along.”
While thorium itself is not easily weaponized, some experts raise concerns about its potential misuse. Certain byproducts of thorium reactions could theoretically be repurposed for military applications, though most scientists believe it is not suitable for nuclear weapons. Dr. Honghai emphasizes that while thorium presents exciting opportunities for nuclear energy and propulsion technologies, it also comes with serious challenges. For security reasons, China has not disclosed the exact quantity of its thorium reserves, leaving many questions about its future role in the global energy landscape.