The Sawaya’erdun Gold Mine is a rare ultra-large, undeveloped gold deposit in China, with more than 100 tonnes of gold contained in low-grade ores. It is situated in the Central Asian Orogenic Belt, an area with favorable gold metallogenic conditions. To date, twenty-one mineralized belts have been discovered in the mine, and there is potential for further discoveries at the depth of the deposit and its periphery.
The project will first commence open-pit mining and then transition to underground mining. The open-pit mine is now in production. The project's average annual gold output is estimated at around 3.3 tonnes after open-pit mining operations reach design capacity.
In July 2022, Zijin Mining acquired a 70% interest in the Sawaya’erdun Gold Mine in Wuqia County, Kezilesu Kyrgyz Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang.
The project implements a localized employment policy and initiated community development initiatives during its construction phase. It has provided support for the canteens of surrounding townships, herders’ accommodations, and school assistance projects.