“Our goal is very clear: to establish our operations in Serbia as a benchmark not only within Zijin but also for the European and the global mining industry,” said Chen Jinghe, Chairman of Zijin Mining, during an interview with journalists from mainstream Serbian media.
He emphasized that the company has developed a detailed roadmap for green mining, with renewable energy generation as a highlight. The company has been increasing its use of clean energy, such as solar and wind power, at many of its mines. It will continue to advance its green mining initiatives across its assets.
A 30-Year, Three-Phase Plan
In 2019, Zijin charted a 30-year environmental management plan for its Serbian operations, structured in three distinct phases:
Phase I (2020–2025)
This phase focuses on enhancing essential environmental infrastructure and standardization. Key initiatives include:
Comprehensive upgrades to pollution prevention and control facilities
Installation of automated monitoring systems
Development of information platforms for environmental management
The phase aims to ensure that key emission indicators meet EU regulatory limits — a goal that has already been achieved ahead of schedule.
Phase II (2026–2035)
This phase emphasizes green transformation and efficient resource extraction. Efforts include:
Systematic energy conservation and reduction of emissions and waste
Development of “park-like” plants
Establishment of an end-to-end clean production system
Creation of mechanisms for biodiversity conservation and protection
The initiatives for this phase are being implemented.
Phase III (2036–2050)
The final phase aims to realize full life-cycle green mining with near-zero emissions. Key objectives include:
Development of carbon footprint management frameworks and steps toward carbon neutrality
Alignment with the European Green Deal and global standards for sustainable mining
This phase will complete the establishment an all-round green mining model.
Through the phased implementation of this environmental management plan, Zijin is steadily shifting from pollution management to eco-friendly mining and from compliance-based operations to green leadership. This process will culminate in the formation of a world-leading sustainable environmental management system for its mining operations.
The green transformation of the Serbian mining town of Bor is just the beginning. With the gradual execution of Zijin’s growth projects in Serbia, the country is set to become Europe’s largest copper producer, reinforcing its role in the global mining sector and the energy transition.
About Zijin Mining
Zijin Mining is a leading global metals and mining company and one of the world’s largest producers of gold, copper, and zinc. The company has more than 30 large-scale mining operations and projects across 19 countries on 5 continents. Leveraging strong in-house research, engineering, and development capabilities, Zijin maintains high operational efficiency and low costs in both acquisitions and operations. This enables the company to be an industry leader in value creation, underpinned by its philosophy of pursuing development for all and sustained by superior environmental, social, and governance performance. Zijin’s shares trade on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKEX: 2899) and the Shanghai Stock Exchange (SSE: 601899).