Diamond Prospecting in China: Exploration History and Resource Assessment

Diamond prospecting and exploration in China began in the 1950s, progressing through multiple stages including alluvial placer surveys, breakthroughs in primary deposits discovery, deep-seated concealed orebody exploration, and international collaborative efforts, ultimately establishing a systematic prospecting methodology and evaluation framework. Early discoveries included China's first industrial-scale placer deposit in the Yuan River Basin of Hunan Province, followed by major kimberlite-type primary deposit breakthroughs in the 1960s at Mengyin (Shandong Province) and Wafangdian (Liaoning Province). Recent advancements in high-resolution remote sensing and geophysical technologies have enhanced deep-reserve expansion and exploration in new regions, while the identification of microdiamonds in dolerite at Lan'gan, Anhui Province, has broadened the understanding of host-rock diversity. As of 2024, China's proven diamond reserves stand at 0.92 million carats, accounting for merely 0.1% of global reserves, with resources concentrated in Liaoning, Shandong, and Hunan Provinces. Challenges persist due to resource depletion and heavy reliance on imports. Given these conditions, innovations in synthetic diamond technologies are reshaping the industrial landscape and compelling breakthroughs in deep exploration techniques. Meanwhile, machine learning-driven intelligent prospecting models are fostering the development of integrated "geology—geophysics-indicator—minerals—remote sensing" analytical platforms, promoting a strategic transition from experience-driven to data-driven exploration. This study systematically reviewed the history of diamond exploration in China, assesses current resource status and distribution characteristics, and analyzed recent fluctuations in diamond reserves, with the aim of providing references for future exploration strategies and resource development.