Chapter 105: A Large-Scale Bauxite Deposit
Just then, Bi Junjie walked in. Upon seeing Li Tang, he smiled,
"So, Li Tang's back from Tibet?"
"Mr. Bi," Li Tang greeted him with a smile as well.
"You're still as energetic as ever."
But as soon as Bi turned to face Ding Shaoying, his expression grew serious.
"Director Luo was urging me yesterday to drop everything and come here. What's going on with the Yunyue Bauxite Project?"
Ding was busy organizing some documents. He spread out several sheets of geological maps across the uneven floor, then squatted down and glanced up at the group.
"Let me first give everyone an overview of our recent progress. Since the first drill hole showed mineralization, and with Director Luo's approval, I modified the original implementation plan."
He pointed to a marked area on one of the maps.
"We carried out extensive drilling operations here. So far, we've drilled 18 holes, totaling approximately 4,100 meters."
"You've drilled that much already?"
Bi Junjie was visibly shocked.
Generally, such large-scale drilling is only approved after very promising mineralization has been confirmed—core drilling is extremely costly. No client would allow the exploration team to go wild without solid justification.
"In this area, between 200 and 300 meters depth, every single hole hit ore. We're currently working on two 400-meter-deep holes that have also reached the bauxite layer, though they haven't penetrated the underlying dolomite yet."
Ding unfolded the heavily worn gravity anomaly and CSAMT survey maps and pointed to the marked zones.
"Based on the geological engineering results and previous geophysical survey interpretations, we believe there is a large-scale bauxite deposit underground!"
"A large-scale bauxite deposit?"
Bi Junjie widened his eyes and crouched next to the map for a closer look.
"According to our current findings, the main ore body is located here."
Ding circled a large area on the map.
"It's roughly 1,500 meters long and between 500 to 700 meters wide. On the fringes, some holes have intersected the thinning ends of the deposit, so we've roughly delineated its extent. The average grade is between 60% and 66%, with the ore well-enriched. Thickness varies, but most mineralized zones are between 2 and 4 meters thick. Some isolated drill holes have intersected layers over 20 meters thick!"
He used both hands to point to areas flanking the main deposit.
"On either side of the main ore body, we identified two smaller anomalies during the geophysical surveys. We drilled exploratory holes there and confirmed two smaller ore bodies. Their average grades are around 55% and 45%, respectively—lower than the main body. And as the survey data indicated, both appear to be limited in scale."
"If it's as you describe, the overall scale of this bauxite deposit is already substantial."
Any doubt Bi Junjie had previously held was now completely dispelled by Ding's thorough explanation.
But a new question emerged—how did such a large deposit turn up in a place where everyone had concluded there was no potential for bauxite?
It defied all logic.
He turned to glance at Li Tang and He Runqi, only to catch the young, round-faced technician absentmindedly picking his nose—then tasting it.
Bi's brows furrowed. He had been about to ask something, but the scene derailed his train of thought entirely. Now he couldn't remember what he had meant to say.
Ding noticed the room had gone quiet. He turned to Li Tang and saw him staring blankly at the floor, seemingly lost in thought.
You found such a huge bauxite deposit—and you're not even excited?
"Uh… let me share my plans for the next steps,"
Ding said to break the silence.
"When the project was first approved, the budget was set at 3 million yuan. Based on our current progress, that amount is no longer sufficient. And honestly, I don't think the aluminum plant expected us to find a large-scale deposit. But now that we have, the results have clearly exceeded expectations. So, I plan to request an expansion of the project and an increase in exploration funding."
He turned toward Luo Qinzhong.
Having visited frequently since the discovery, Luo was well aware of the project's status. He had already discussed the future direction with Ding in private.
He was, in principle, supportive.
Still, he looked to Li Tang for input.
"What do you think, Li Tang?"
"I agree with Chief Ding," Li Tang said. "Three million isn't nearly enough to properly evaluate a large bauxite deposit. Additional funding is absolutely necessary."
"No surprises there," Luo smiled.
"Mr. Bi, what's your opinion?"
"With results this promising, of course we continue. There's no reason to stop now,"
Bi replied firmly.
Seeing that everyone was on board, Ding took out a prepared proposal and budget report.
"I've already drafted the documents. After working with Huazhou Aluminum Plant for so many years, I understand the procedure. Ultimately, though, it's up to Director Lai to approve it."
"That's true," Luo replied, unoffended. "We'll need to convince Director Lai."
After reviewing the progress, Ding led Li Tang and Bi Junjie to the field, where they inspected the core storage and several drill sites.
Truthfully, just looking at the surface revealed very little. There were no visible signs of bauxite.
That evening, after dinner in Luoyi City, they stayed the night and then headed straight to the Huazhou Aluminum Plant the next morning.
Lai Xiangrong was still going through the daily briefing papers—a personal ritual of his. He flipped pages slowly, occasionally licking his fingers, and sipped from a mug labeled "Serve the People" filled with strong tea.
Calm and composed—that was his management style.
The plant supported hundreds of families. Reckless development could ruin livelihoods. Steady, measured progress was the only acceptable path.
Tap tap.
A knock at the door drew his gaze. Seeing Luo Qinzhong arrive with Li Tang, Bi Junjie, and others, he motioned them in.
"So, the Yunyue Bauxite Project is finally yielding results?"
He removed his reading glasses and smiled at Li Tang.
"Recently, we had a meeting where the higher-ups praised your Qu Long Copper Mine project highly. I had a chat with your Director Niu from Wu Mining—he had a lot of good things to say about you."
"Thanks to all the leadership for their support," Li Tang responded modestly but confidently.
"Director Lai," Luo Qinzhong began, "The Yunyue Bauxite Project has indeed yielded results. I'll let Chief Ding give you a detailed report and present our plans going forward."
"Results, huh?"
A spark of interest lit up in Lai's eyes.
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