China finds abundant thorium energy source for 60,000 years

China has announced a significant discovery of thorium at the Bayan Obo mining complex, which could potentially power the country for 60,000 years. A national survey indicates that thorium resources in mining waste remain largely untapped. The study identified 233 thorium-rich zones across China, suggesting reserves far exceed previous estimates. China is constructing the world's first thorium molten-salt reactor, expected to be operational by 2029, which could revolutionize energy production. Thorium is more abundant than uranium and can generate more energy. The new findings may shift the focus from fossil fuels to nuclear energy, as China, Russia, and the US compete to advance their nuclear technologies.