Billions tons of iron ore and vast fields of anthracite coal and bituminous coal lie underground in Korea, he said adding:

There are rich deposits of nonferrous metals and rare metals as well as those of non-metallic minerals like magnesite, graphite and dolomite in Korea. And the variety of underground minerals reaches over 500 kinds.

Six kinds of minerals were discovered for the first time in Korea, including holtonite, suanite and sanpaltonite.

Scientists proved the eternity of the crust through the survey of rock masses and mineral resources formed 3.6 billions of years ago in different parts of the country like the vicinity of the West Sea Barrage and Jagang Province.

For example, Iron ore deposit in Musan was formed in 2.9-2.7 billions of years ago.

The most of graphite deposits were formed in 2.5 billions of years ago and nonferrous metal deposits in Tanchon and Hochon areas 2 billions of years ago.

There is a quality diatomite deposit in Taehongdan County, which is estimated to be formed nearly 1 000 years ago when the crater on Mt Paektu vomited pumice.

For having rich resources, Korea has been called "a legendary land full of treasures" from olden times.

In particular, the geological strata of Machon Pass are enough to boast of all over the world, as they have big and rich magnesite, lead-zinc, copper, gold, iron and other mineral resources.

Korea has also rich marine resources as it is sea-bound on three sides.

Now, natural resources in the country have been used for putting the national economy on a Juche and self-reliant basis, thanks to the leadership of the Workers' Party of Korea.