Qinghai Province
Critical minerals, policy, and the energy transition
The Energy Transition in Qinghai Province
Qinghai Province, located on the northeastern edge of the Tibetan Plateau, is one of China’s most strategically important regions for the global energy transition. Rich in critical minerals such as lithium, boron, nickel, copper, zinc, and lead, Qinghai plays a vital role in supporting the production of batteries, renewable energy systems, and advanced technologies essential to a low-carbon economy. Often referred to as China’s lithium heartland, Qinghai’s salt lakes hold some of the country’s largest lithium reserves, positioning the province at the centre of China’s electric vehicle and energy storage supply chains. The province is also accelerating its energy transition through vast solar and wind energy developments, integrated with grid-scale energy storage and green hydrogen projects. Qinghai’s future strategy focuses on leveraging its mineral wealth and renewable energy potential to become a clean energy hub, exporting power and critical materials to support China’s carbon neutrality goals. As the demand for lithium and clean energy metals continues to surge globally, Qinghai’s resource base and policy direction firmly position the province as a key pillar in China’s energy security strategy.
Essential minerals production and products in Qinghai Province
A provincial analysis of China’s critical minerals and policies
SFA explores the provincial frontlines of China’s strategy to secure its future in the global energy transition. As demand for critical minerals rises for electric vehicles, batteries and renewable energy, China sits at the centre of this shift as both producer and consumer. SFA examines how provincial policies, resource endowments and mining practices shape China’s critical minerals landscape. From lithium-rich Qinghai to rare earth-heavy Inner Mongolia, this province-by-province analysis reveals the challenges and opportunities driving China’s role in the future of global energy and environmental policy.


Meet the Critical Minerals team
Trusted advice from a dedicated team of experts.

Henk de Hoop
Chief Executive Officer

Beresford Clarke
Managing Director: Technical & Research

Jamie Underwood
Principal Consultant

Ismet Soyocak
ESG & Critical Minerals Lead

Rj Coetzee
Senior Market Analyst: Battery Materials and Technologies

How can we help you?
SFA (Oxford) provides bespoke, independent intelligence on the strategic metal markets, specifically tailored to your needs. To find out more about what we can offer you, please contact us.