“I am a guide at the Zijinshan Copper-Gold Mine.”

This journey began nine years ago in 2015 when I was first introduced to Zijin Mining. I was then a high school freshman, and my teacher told me about a free tutoring program organized by Zijin Mining in collaboration with Fuzhou University’s Zijin School of Geology and Mining, which has a campus in Shanghang County. Students from the school volunteered to provide academic support to children from underprivileged families in the county. Eager for help with my studies, I signed up immediately and received tutoring in the school’s classrooms.

Fast forward to 2021, after working for some time, I heard about a job opening at Zijin Mining. That initial seed of interest sprouted instantly.

Visiting the Zijinshan Copper-Gold Mine for the first time, I was pleasantly surprised to find not a noisy, dusty wasteland but a clean, lush environment. The prospect of working here filled me with anticipation. Just weeks after the interview, I received a call: “Congratulations, welcome to the Zijinshan team!” And so, my journey with Zijin Mining began.

As a tour guide at the mine, I found my passion.

“Zijinshan Copper-Gold Mine is the birthplace of Zijin Mining and one of our core projects. In the 1980s, our founder, Mr. Chen Jinghe, discovered the orebodies in the mine, with gold deposits at the top and substantial copper mineralization below, earning national recognition. In 1993, mine construction began at Zijinshan, setting the project on a sustainable development path characterized by low costs and robust profits. Zijinshan also became a key base for the company, developing management approaches, technology, and talent to drive its growth...”

These narratives have become second nature to me. I understand that my narrations are not merely about production processes, environmental protection measures, and financial figures, but about sharing the history and culture of Zijin Mining.

I still recall the mix of nerves and excitement from my first guided tour. Despite receiving professional training, I felt it was not enough. I rehearsed various scenarios, even practicing my lines for the open pit tour while lying in bed, determined not to miss a single detail.

“Rome wasn’t built in a day.” Once I learned the skills required, I approached our mine managers for more learning opportunities on-site. The immersion at various facilities expanded my knowledge and gave me a deep understanding of Zijin’s operations.

“Founded in 1993, Shanghang Zijin Mining Company began its operations by developing the low-grade Zijinshan Copper-Gold mine. Despite facing financial, talent, and technological constraints, the company successfully implemented five phases of management and technological innovation. What was once deemed a project of little value was turned into China’s largest and most profitable gold mine. By creatively integrating bio-metallurgy with traditional flotation methods, Zijinshan mastered the extraction of copper from low-grade ores, generating strong profits. The process also fostered Zijin’s corporate culture and unique approach to innovation, as well as our Five-pronged Mining Engineering Management model. In essence, Zijinshan is the root of Zijin Mining.”

As I delved deeper into the story of Zijinshan, its history and culture came alive to me, as if I were witnessing how Zijin Mining achieved its growth against the odds. My attachment to the company that transformed my hometown grew stronger.

Over time, my proficiency in the role increased, allowing me to conduct up to four tours a day.

At the end of one tour, a visitor once complimented me by saying, “You keep going tirelessly, always with a warm smile. Great job.”

Reflecting on the past, I still remember the conclusion of the tutoring program. That day, rain had cleared the air. On stage, a volunteer tutor passionately shared stories from her internship at the Zijinshan mine, illustrating the transformation of minerals and their value to society. A gentle spring breeze drifted in through the window, quietly planting a seed within me: “I, too, want to become someone who shines brightly.”

Translator:Jian   Reviser: Lin Xinjing   Editor-in-Chief: Wang Jie