Uighur rights group raises concern over Chinese exploitation of East Turkistan's resources for military advancement

In a post on social media platform X, the Swedish Uyghur Committee, an organisation advocating for Uyghur rights, claimed that the mine in the Koktokay region of Altay prefecture, discovered in 1939, has been crucial to China's military and technological development, including the creation of its first atomic bomb.

According to the committee, the mine, called “No. 3”, contains 86 types of minerals, many of which are vital for advanced technologies and military uses.

He highlighted that despite its importance, the mine remained hidden from world maps until the 1980s, leaving it largely unknown outside of China. It further stressed that the mine played a key role in the repayment of China's national debt to the former Soviet Union, contributed to the launch of the country's first artificial satellite, “Dong Fang Hong” (the East is Red), and continues to provide essential resources for China's space and military programs.

The group said, “Many countries are eyeing this incredible mine discovered in East Turkistan, which has immense potential. It contains 86 minerals, including those needed to make nuclear bombs. Ever since China occupied our motherland, they have not sold even a handful of mine soil, leaving this precious resource unused and out of reach. Located in the Koktokay region of Altay Province, this No. 3 mine was discovered in 1939 and played a vital role in repaying 47 percent of the Chinese government's national debt to the former Soviet Union.”

The committee highlighted the broader issue of China's unsustainable exploitation of East Turkistan's vast natural resources, alleging that more than 50 per cent of China's economy depends on resources extracted from the region.

The group described it as part of the systematic plunder of their homeland and said the situation was reminiscent of the “genocide” and “brutal colonial occupation” faced by Uighurs under Chinese rule.

The group further added, “The contribution of this mine is just a small part of the vast wealth extracted from East Turkistan, where numerous mines and abundant resources exist. More than 50 percent of China's economy depends on this wealth, reflecting the vital importance of our land. In particular, this mine supplied the fuel for China's first artificial satellite, “Dong Fang Hong” (East is Red), and remains a primary source for satellite launches. With a depth of 200 meters, a length of 250 meters and a width of 240 meters, it is home to 86 known types of minerals. Remarkably, this mine was included in world maps only after 1980, leaving many people unaware of its significance. It remains an important site for geologists in China and around the world.”

The organisation also accused China of keeping the mine's potential away from the global market, claiming that since Beijing's occupation of East Turkistan, none of its resources have been sold internationally. They argue that China's continued exploitation of resources from the region fuels not only its military advancement, but also technological innovations in aviation and space travel.

The Swedish Uyghur Committee concluded its article with a call for international recognition of the plight of East Turkistan, and described the exploitation of resources as part of a broader struggle for freedom, justice and the protection of Uyghur rights.

“More importantly, this mine not only supplied the minerals for China's first atomic bomb, but also fueled their military ambitions and technological advances in aviation and space travel. This is just a small part of how China exploits East Turkistan's resources to commit genocide and maintain its brutal colonial occupation of our homeland. The ongoing theft of our resources is a harsh reminder of the urgency of our struggle for justice, freedom, and international recognition,” it added.

It is noteworthy that China has committed unimaginable human rights atrocities in the East Turkistan region for decades. Despite strong condemnation by international human rights bodies, China's atrocities on the Uighur community of the region are not decreasing. This exploitation by China also includes forceful occupation of the land resources of the Uighur community.