35 types of mines are found in the municipalregion, 13 verified with considerable industrial reserve, and 20 types havebeen exploited or utilized. The main energy mines are petroleum and coal;chemical mines are rock salt, mirabilite, pyrite, and barite; constructionmines are marble, granite, limestone, clay, channel sand, and pebbles;metallurgy assisting material mines are dolomite, high quality silica, andrefractory clay; and a new mine called bentonite. Additionally,there are mines of sand gold, lode gold, etc. Jingzhouhas a consistent geologic structure, with good deposit and stable surroundingrock condition. Except petroleum and coal, the majority of non-metal mines areexposed to the surface and easy to exploit. Themajority of mines are found in hilly areas or distributed around towns. Thewell- developed transportation network provides an advantageous condition forthe exploitation.