China's Ministry of Land and Resources will attempt to assess the nationwide reserves of 25 major mineral resources such as coal, uranium, iron, copper and aluminum this year.

The aim of the move is to have a comprehensive understanding of current mineral resources, provide a scientific basis for potentiality of unproven mineral resources and set up a database in this sector, a statement from the ministry said.

The survey will first be carried out at the provincial level, with coordination from the ministry, it said.

The results are expected to be released in 2009.

Source: Xinhua