From August 11 to 12, Zijin held its 7th Science and Technology Conference, bringing together a large number of leading experts, academics, executives and employees to explore ways to improve the extraction of mineral resources and build global competitiveness for mining companies.

The two-day event was attended by members of the Chinese Academy of Sciences(CAS) and the Chinese Academy of Engineering(CAE), including Shen Zhengchang, who is also a member of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, and Zhu Rixiang, Hou Zengqian, Fu Xianzhi, Qiu Guanzhou, Cheng Huiming, Wu Qiang, Shao Anlin, Mao Jingwen, Chai Liyuan, Zhao Tianshou, Deng Jun, Sun Youhong, and Xu Zhenghe. Government officials, representatives from industry associations and research institutes, and university professors were also present at the meeting. They shared their insights and suggestions on achieving high-quality development for the mining industry and advancing technological progress at Zijin.

Building global competitiveness

During the conference, Chen Jinghe, Chairman of Zijin Mining, delivered a speech, emphasizing that “Zijin Mining is currently at a critical stage of striving to become a leading international mining company.” He called on everyone in the company to adopt a global mindset, help build Zijin’s global competitiveness and turn it into a green, high-tech, leading global mining company.

Chairman Chen laid out 4 points:

1. Zijin must significantly enhance its capacity for technological innovation, particularly in key areas. Priorities include developing theories and technologies for safer and more efficient mining at high altitudes and in underground mines; strengthening the company’s expertise in the extraction of low-grade and refractory resources; promoting the application of the Five-Pronged Mining Engineering Model; developing eco-friendly metallurgical methods to achieve higher resource recovery and create more value; and leveraging technology to improve the level of intrinsic safety.

2. Zijin must boost its competitiveness in the entire mining value chain through independent innovation This involves establishing a cutting-edge R&D and innovation center for green and efficient exploration and development of copper and gold mines, as well as building a globally competitive state key laboratory.

3. With a long-term perspective in mind, Zijin must strengthen its ability for global resource allocation. The acquisition of strategic minerals will have an impact on the global competitiveness of the Chinese mining industry. Zijin will continuously strive for breakthroughs in metallogenic patterns and prospecting models, and build comprehensive capabilities in exploration technology, to strengthen its global significance in strategic minerals.

4. Zijin will bring in talent from around the world and unleash the potential of internationally competent professionals. Zijin needs talent more than ever. It welcomes outstanding, highly skilled talent from across the world to join for work, research, and exchanges. It wants to build a huge pool of globally competent mining professionals, with talent from different countries and races.

Stepping up work on science and technology

Zou Laichang, President of Zijin Mining, delivered a report entitled “Building Global Competitiveness in the Mining Industry through Technological Innovation”, detailing Zijin’s work on science and technology. He said that in the past few years, Zijin has achieved leapfrog growth amid complex and challenging international situations. Thanks to scientific and technological innovation, Zijin has seen growth in both reserves and production. It has improved its capabilities in developing technologies and projects, and has made significant breakthroughs in key technologies in exploration, mining, processing, metallurgy, environmental protection, and digitalization across its global operations.

Looking ahead, President Zou emphasized eight crucial steps in Zijin’s scientific and technological endeavors: 

1. Zijin will work with others to develop the national key laboratory, and enhance the innovation capabilities of technological platforms;

2. Zijin will further apply the Five-Pronged Mining Engineering Model across mining projects and promote the green and efficient extraction of mineral resources through systematic technological innovations;

3. Zijin will strengthen the development of exploration technology to help increase its mineral resources and production;

4. The company will address key technical difficulties faced by the entire industry to further empower production and operation;

5. The company will leverage digital, automation, and intelligent technologies to advance smart mining;

6. Breakthroughs in technologies related to renewable energy and new materials will be sought, to support the green and low-carbon development of the mining industry;

7. Zijin will enhance its level of intrinsic safety in mining operations through the wide use of technology;

8. To tackle the main challenge facing the company, Zijin will put a stronger focus on building a highly competent scientific and technological workforce.

President Zou concluded that with a vigorous and enterprising spirit, Zijin will contribute to a better life for humanity by opening up new avenues and markets through technological innovation and shaping new driving forces for development.

Congratulatory speeches, academic presentations and award conferral

Shao Anlin, academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering and Ye Bihai, and Ye Bihai, Deputy Director General of the Science and Technology Department of the Fujian Provincial Government delivered congratulatory remarks during the conference. Academician Shao said that over the past 30 years, the company has developed a unique Zjin Model of going global, making significant contributions through the supply of mineral resources, enhancing the resilience of the industrial and supply chains, and promoting economic and social development. It has opened up new paths for green and efficient development of mines, and has boosted the green and sustainable development of the mining industry.

Mr. Ye noted that as a leading technology-driven company based in Fujian, Zijin witnessed and contributed to the rise of the Chinese mining industry. In this process, it has built and maintained a sharp edge in innovation. The growth of Zijin, from a small firm to a large, robust business, vividly illustrates that innovation is the primary driving force for development, and that only those who innovate could grow and flourish.

During the conference, 29 presentations were given by academicians and experts. Scientific and technological awards were also given to many important projects and outstanding employees, to honor accomplishments made since the company’s 6th Technology Conference, which was convened in September 2020.

Translator: Jian    Reviser: Li Yuanxing   Editor-in-Chief: Wang Jie