"However, these areas include the Rand mining area and surrounding areas."

Chen Nian nodded suddenly.

I see.

No wonder Chen Guo said it was good news.

The Rand Mine is the largest gold mining area in South Africa and even the world. Since 1886, the gold produced by this mining area has accounted for 22% of the entire world's gold reserves.

Moreover, even twenty years later, the mineable gold reserves in the entire mining area are still as high as 18,000 tons, which is approximately equivalent to the reserves of two and a half United States and 12 Chinas.

Prior to this, the Rand mining area was rarely open to foreign investment, but now it has broken the precedent.

——

Perhaps the difficulty of gold mining has exceeded the cost-effectiveness limit that South Africa can afford?

Chen Nian frowned slightly, and then continued to ask:

"Have you done a feasibility study? If we get the exploration rights, can we make money?"

Chen Guo shook her head slightly and replied:

"The detailed feasibility study has not yet been completed, but according to the data, the rich ores around the Rand mining area have basically been discovered, and the rest are lower-grade ore veins."

"However, we do not rule out the possibility that there are still veins buried deeper."

"As long as the ore grade reaches 4 or above, we will be profitable."

"After all, the current grade of our domestic gold mines is really too low."

Chen Nian nodded slightly. He actually had some understanding of this.

The ore grade of domestic gold mines is generally between 2 and 5, which means that one ton of ore can only extract 2 to 5 grams of gold.

In contrast, the gold ore grades in Africa, especially South Africa, are basically between 5 and 15, and there are even some rich ores that can reach astonishing figures of 30 grams per ton.

Therefore, it is no wonder that after South Africa proposed this condition, domestic policymakers became excited.

After all, if we can get a mine, it will be a huge boost to the domestic gold reserves.

You must know that one of the important reasons why the United States can continue to export crises while still standing is its gold reserves of more than 8,000 tons.

This is one of the greatest gifts that the Bretton Woods system gave them.

Now, it is difficult for us to replicate such a global policy. In the short term, we can only rely on accelerating gold production to close the gap.

However, having said that, it still seems a bit too shabby to pick up leftovers from the Rand mining area, right?

Thinking of this, he asked:

"Apart from the Rand mining area? What other areas are open to exploration rights?"

"Mainly in the Witwatersrand basin, including Rand, Clarksdorp, Bottaville, Free State and Evender."

"But if we had to choose, we would definitely choose the Rand area."

"After all, the mineral reserves and proven mineral grades in other areas are relatively poor. If we choose, the risk will be relatively high."

"Hey? Just wait."

Chen Nian interrupted Chen Guo, then turned on the computer and found a map of South Africa on the Internet.

"Let me take a look first. Rand is here, this is East Rand."

"To the west is Clarksdorp."

"Go east from Johannesburg. This is Swaziland."

“Below Swaziland, there’s Evander??”

Chen Guo heard a change in Chen Nian's tone, so she quickly came over.

After taking a look, he nodded and said:

"Yes, this is the Evander area."

"It borders Swaziland, and there is a very famous wildlife reserve there called"

“Shirakawa Nature Park.”

Chen Nian accepted Chen Guo's words without any delay.

"Yes, Baihe Nature Park—how did you know?"

How do I know?

A smile appeared on Chen Nian's face.

I know too much about him!

I remember that in his last life, he was sent to Swaziland on a two-month business trip due to work. There, he experienced being caught in a police car for no reason, and then after paying 200 yuan, he was arrested in the police car at the scene.

The experience of becoming a taxi.

——

But of course, that's not the point.

Like everyone who has been to Swaziland, the wildlife reserves there are basically must-visit attractions.

The place where Chen Nian checked in was the Baihe Nature Reserve.

Therefore, he was very impressed with this area.

And after 2016, when the news of the discovery of a large gold mine in the Baihe Reserve came out, his impression became even deeper!

In his memory, the preliminary proven gold reserves of the White River deposit reached more than 500 tons, and the ore grade reached 8 grams per ton. It was another surprise given to them by nature after the development of South Africa's gold mines reached the end.

However, the geographical environment there is complex and mine construction is difficult, so for a long time, South Africa has not achieved large-scale production.

——

However, no matter how difficult the infrastructure construction is, it will not be a problem for the Infrastructure Maniac!

In the last life, this mineral deposit was finally taken over by European companies.

What about this time?

It's our turn, right?

The look on Chen Nian's face became excited, and he said:

"We want Evander!"

“There is very little competition in this area, and the discounts will not be too high!”

“We don’t want anything else but the exploration and mining rights in this area!”

"Of course, we can't show it so obviously and let those business comrades give us a hard time."

Chen Guo scratched her head subconsciously and asked doubtfully:

"Evande? This is the worst piece of land open to exploration rights. Are you sure we want this piece? Do you think there is a mine here?"

"There must be!"

Chen Nian said firmly.

Chen Guo subconsciously wanted to ask "why", but soon, he suppressed his thoughts.

No matter why.

Don't ask what you shouldn't ask.

So he opened his mouth and answered:

"I can report this strategy to the boss."

"If we really follow this plan, the possibility of us winning the project is still very high."

"However, whether the Evander area is worthy of this needs further discussion."

"I understand, you go and discuss it."

Chen Nian nodded and said.

"However, we must come to a conclusion as soon as possible."

"It's late, but I won't rush."

He leaned back on the chair with satisfaction and thought to himself:

Exchanging projects for resources is a road that has been traveled for a long time.

However, in this life, maybe we can go better
Chapter completed!