Wulagen is an ultra-large, low-grade zinc-lead mine in China. It once remained undeveloped for years due to its poor resource endowment. After Zijin Mining became the operator of the mine, it introduced a series of technological and management innovations, enabling large-scale development and efficient resource recovery. This has made Wulagen China’s largest open-pit lead-zinc mine by production volume, with the lowest feed grades in the world. Its current processing throughput is 10.89 million tonnes per annum.
In 2021, additional resource discoveries at Wulagen were recognized as an “Outstanding Achievement of China’s Ten-Year Mineral Exploration Initiative” by the country’s Ministry of Natural Resources.
Zijin Mining became involved in the mine’s development through an investment promotion program in 2007 and currently holds a 100% interest in the mine.
The operation has built an integrated value chain covering mining, processing and smelting, supporting approximately 5,000 direct and indirect jobs. It also contributes to local development through the procurement of agricultural products, infrastructure construction, and the Zijin Mining Scholarship and Teaching Fund. The company has received several honors in China, including National Advanced Entity in Poverty Alleviation, National May 1 Labor Award, National Green Plant and National Civilized Entity.
Wulagen’s commitment to technological innovation has earned it recognition as a national high-tech company, a "Specialized and Innovative Little Giant", and a National Intellectual Property Excellence Company. It has also been designated a pilot demonstration lead-zinc mine for digitalization by China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology.