Hua Sumei, an outstanding technician at Zijin Mining and the head of a provincial-level Master Studio for Chemical Testing in Fujian, embodies the spirit of lifelong commitment and innovation that drives the company’s success. Her thirteen-year journey with the company is a testament to her dedication, pursuit of mastery, and unwavering attention to detail.
Overcoming Initial Challenges
In 2009, after graduating from Guangxi Eco-Engineering Vocational and Technical College, Hua Sumei joined Zijin Mining through the company’s sponsored trainee program. After two years of intensive training, she was assigned to work as a Fire Assay Technician at Zijin Copper, a smelter operator within Zijin Mining. However, she was put off by the job on her first day: the precision required in mix formulations, the 1150°C high-temperature furnaces, the heavy iron molds, and the meticulous weighing of tiny gold granules posed significant challenges for her. Each experiment left her exhausted.
“Sometimes the lead button produced was too large, and the formulation had to be adjusted. Other times, after reaching the final step of weighing, the gold granules, as small as dust particles, would just disappear, so we would have to do the entire process all over again.” Hua Sumei recalls.
Despite these difficulties, she was determined to succeed. By persistently seeking knowledge and guidance from her mentor almost every day, Hua quickly mastered the key skills needed for her role and became increasingly adept at handling complex situations in assaying.
Tackling Tough Tasks
In September 2016, shortly after Hua Sumei returned from maternity leave, silver sample testing for registration at the London Bullion Market Association （LBMA） began at Zijin Copper. Determined to set a good example for her child, she quickly learned to adapt and balance the need to care for a newborn at home with a major company project. Hua took her baby to the company’s living quarters, maintaining a well-structured routine that allowed her to fully commit to her work without neglecting her child.
“We once had to assay 10 LBMA silver ingot samples and produce reports within a week. The unexpected workload had my colleagues and me working overtime almost daily. Yet, each time I returned to my dormitory, exhausted but seeing my peacefully sleeping baby, all fatigue vanished. The deep satisfaction and happiness reinforced my belief that every effort and sacrifice made for family and work is invaluable.”
On August 15, 2017, the ZIJIN silver ingot was successfully registered with the LBMA, marking another milestone following the registration of Zijin Mining’s gold ingot at the association.
Nurturing Talent and Advancing Innovation
In 2021, the Hua Sumei Master Studio for Chemical Testing was established following approval by the Longyan Municipal Human Resources and Social Security Bureau. The studio provides excellent opportunities for talent development. Hua and her colleagues at the studio work continuously to enhance their skills and innovation capabilities while prioritizing the training of testers. To date, more than 40 new recruits have become qualified testers.
The team also earned impressive recognition for innovation: they received second and third prizes in national technical standards awards for 29 standard methods they developed; 7 of their innovative projects were granted Utility Model Patents by the China National Intellectual Property Administration; and 4 of their projects secured second and third prizes in the Frontline Employee Technological Innovation Awards given by the China Gold Association.
In 2022, members of the studio took part in the 11th “Zijin Cup” Chemical Tester Skills Competition organized by the China Gold Association, and secured second, third, and fifth places for individual participants, as well as First Place as a team. Three of them were honored as “Skilled Technicians in China’s Gold Industry,” and two received the “Skilled Technician of China” title.
In October of the same year, Hua Sumei and her team completed a technical innovation project to automate alkali addition and acidity monitoring in acid mist towers used in laboratories, which is estimated to save the company around US $55, 000 annually.
In November 2023, her studio was officially upgraded to a provincial-level studio in Fujian Province.
Reflecting on her journey, Hua said, “I’ve spent 13 years in the laboratory of Zijin Copper’s Technology and Quality Center. Testing has become an indispensable part of my life and work. I enjoy the sense of accomplishment and satisfaction that comes with each successful experiment.”
Looking into the future, Hua Sumei is full of confidence: “I want to continue delving into every detail of chemical testing over the next 13 years, further enhancing my expertise while nurturing more young technical talent. I hope to make greater contributions to Zijin’s sustainable development through my efforts.” Hua’s dedication and passion exemplify the spirit of perseverance and innovation that Zijin Mining champions, as it strives to be a leader in the global mining industry.
Translator: Li Yuanxing Reviser: Jian Editor-in-Chief: Wang Jie