Sawaya’erdun Gold Mine
Sawaya’erdun Gold Mine
Sawaya'erdun Gold Mine
Sawaya’erdun Gold Mine

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.

Sawaya’erdun Gold Mine
  • Location
    Wuqia County, Xinjiang
  • Ownership
    70%
  • Project status
    In Production
  • Deposit type
    Shallow metamorphic, medium-low temperature, infiltration hydrothermal gold deposit
  • Mineral Resources (Inclusive of Mineral Reserves)
    Contained gold: 60 tonnes, Grade: 2.58 g/t
  • Mining & processing methods
    Open-pit + underground mining + biological pre-oxidation method
  • Construction plan

    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.

  • M&A

    In July 2022, Zijin Mining acquired a 70% interest in the Sawaya’erdun Gold Mine in Wuqia County, Kezilesu Kyrgyz Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang.

ESG

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.