Resource concern fuels stockpiling

The Ministry of Land and Resources has announced China will build up mineral reserves in an effort to ensure a supply of natural resources, the Wall Street Journal reported. Minerals such as aluminum, copper, manganese and uranium will be stockpiled over the next four years as part of the ministry's five-year plan. Beijing previously said strategic crude oil reserves would be filled as soon as this year. Such commodity reserves may be used by the military or to help minimize the economic impact of supply disruptions. The State Reserve Bureau made huge losses last year when trading copper in London, leading to a governmental pledge to better manage commodities. The Land Resources ministry intends to establish up to 10 metal reserves holding 20 million tons of copper and 200 million tons of bauxite – used to make aluminum.