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• Integrated information assessment method based on deposit model applied for the areas prospective. • Potential resource estimated by geological parameter volumetric approach. • Five key areas for future bauxite exploration have been outlined in China. This contribution provides a comprehensive review of the bauxite resources and its potential in China, which is an important part of China National Mineral Resources Assessment Initiative. Bauxite resources in China are concentrated in regions such as Guangxi, Guizhou, Henan, and Shanxi. Bauxite deposits in China can be subdivided into sediment type, accumulation type and lateritic type with the former two types dominating the bauxite resources in China. Based on the established deposit models and regional prediction models, the integrated information assessment methods based on the deposit model approach was implemented to estimate potential bauxite resources. As a result, 101 prospective areas were defined and their mineral potential was estimated to a maximum depth of 1000 m by volumetric method based on geological parameters. The results of this activity indicate that the amount of undiscovered bauxite resources is huge. Five key bauxite mineral provinces dominated by sediment type and accumulation type deposits have been identified and their potential was discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]