Julong Copper Mine
Julong Copper Mine
Julong Copper Mine
Julong Copper Mine

The Julong Copper Mine is home to a world-class, ultra-large porphyry copper-molybdenum deposit, with low ore grades and strong potential for further resource expansion. The deposit also contains associated silver and molybdenum, along with substantial amounts of hard-to-recover copper resources.

Julong Copper Mine
  • Location
    Maizhokunggar County, Lhasa, Xizang Autonomous Region
  • Ownership
    58.16%
  • Project status
    In production+ undergoing expansion
  • Deposit Type
    Porphyry+skarn
  • Mineral Resources (Inclusive of Mineral Reserves)
    Contained copper: 25.61Mt, Grade: 0.29%; silver 15,000 tonnes; molybdenum 1.65Mt
  • Mining & Processing methods
    Open-pit mining +flotation
  • 2024 Production
    Copper: 166,300 tonnes
    Silver: 109.1 tonnes
    Molybdenum: 7,002 tonnes
    Gold 0.5 tonnes
  • Debottlenecking and expansion

    The Phase 1 project, with a throughput of 150,000 tonnes per day, has been built and commissioned—making Julong one of the largest copper mines in China. The Phase 2 expansion is scheduled for completion by the end of 2025. Upon reaching design capacity, the mine is expected to produce 300,000 tonnes of mined copper annually. If the proposed Phase 3 (600,000 tonnes per annum) is approved, Julong would become the world’s largest copper mine by throughput and rank fourth globally in terms of annual copper output.

  • M&A

    Zijin Mining acquired a 50.1% interest in Julong Copper in 2020. In January 2025, it announced the acquisition of a 24.82% interest in Zangge Mining, bringing its total stake in Julong Copper to 58.16%.

ESG

Julong Copper aims to build a green, safe, and intelligent mining operation that complies with laws and regulations and maintains a cohesive workforce. It works to benefit local communities and forge a shared future with them. Dedicated to building an ultra-large mine with the lowest carbon emissions and energy consumption in China, it is actively advancing clean energy adoption and enhancing its digital capabilities.

The project implements ecological restoration programs, monitors its environmental impacts, and conducts biodiversity surveys and protection. While promoting local hiring, it also maintains a high-altitude safety and emergency system to protect the health of all workers. Julong Copper shares the benefits of its growth with local governments and communities through various means, including dividend payouts, service outsourcing, industry support, and local job opportunities.