Zijin Mining’s Global Ambition: New Chairman Signals "Value-Based" Expansion Surge
Following a record-breaking 2025, China’s largest gold and copper producer is entering a bold new era. Newly appointed Chairman Zou Laichang has unveiled a strategic roadmap for 2026, shifting the company’s focus from sheer size to high-value, high-efficiency global dominance.
The "New Era" Strategy
Strategic M&A: Zijin is hunting for "high-impact, ultra-large mines" and mid-tier firms to bolster its global footprint.
Production Surge: Targeting double-digit growth with 2026 goals of 105 tons of gold (+17%) and 1.2 million tons of copper (+10%).
Lithium Revolution: Aiming for a massive 4x increase in lithium-carbonate output (targeting 120,000 tonnes) to power the global green energy transition.
Why It Matters
With a market valuation now surpassing $100 billion, Zijin has solidified its position as the world’s third-largest miner, trailing only Rio Tinto and BHP. The 2025 fiscal year saw profits skyrocket by 62% to a record 52 billion yuan ($7.4 billion), providing a massive war chest for this next phase of acquisitions.
"We are transforming from scale-driven to value-based leadership, harnessing our competitive edge to enhance global resilience." — Zou Laichang, Chairman.