Resources

The province has more than 70 kinds of verified mineral resources, mainly iron, copper , molybdenum, nickel and gold, as well as coal, oil shale and petroleum. Jilin is a grain-producing centre where fertile soil and plentiful rainfall provide favourable conditions for growing grain and beans. 38 per cent of the total land surface is covered by forest and the Changbai Mountains are one of the country's major forest areas, teeming with ginseng, pilose antler, tussah silk and medicinal herbs. Changbai Mountain Forest Zone is one of the most important timber production bases in China and its annual output is the highest in the country, while the Jilin Oilfield is one of China's major oilfields.