Zijin Mining Groupa prominent Chinese mining company, has recently announced that it will proceed with the second phase expansion of the Julong copper mine in Tibet, after receiving the green light from the government. This expansion will allow the mine to increase its capacity to 350,000 tons per day by 2025, positioning Julong as the largest copper operation in China, with an ore extraction and processing volume of more than 100 million tons per year.
Julong copper mine: an ambitious project
With an estimated investment of 17.5 billion yuan (approximately US$2.43 billion), Zijin plans to not only increase production, but also the capacity of the Tibetan mine. The company is even contemplating a third phase expansion that, if approved by local authorities, would raise annual production to an impressive 200 million tons, making the Julong copper mine the largest in the world.
Zijin, which is China’s largest gold producer and one of the country’s leading copper producers, acquired control of the Julong project in 2020 and brought it on stream in just 18 months. The company has several projects in Tibet, including the Zhunuo copper mine acquired last year, and has significant stakes in lithium producer Lakkor Resources, as well as Yulong Copper and Tianyuan Mining, consolidating its presence in the region.
The environmental and social impact of mining in Tibet
Zijin Mining Group’s expansion of the Julong copper mine raises important questions about the environmental and social impact of such projects in sensitive regions. Tibet, known for its rich biodiversity and cultural significance, faces unique challenges due to large-scale mining.
It is crucial that Zijin and other mining companies implement sustainable and responsible practices, including mitigation of environmental damage and inclusion of local communities in the decision-making process. This approach will not only ensure the protection of the site’s valuable ecosystems, but will also promote a harmonious relationship between the mining industry and the communities.
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Source: worldenergytrade.com
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