The Zijinshan Gold-Copper Mine, operated by Zijin Mining, was recently featured in a China Central Television segment that focused on its environmental restoration efforts. The mine has undergone significant changes, evolving from an industrial site into a national mining park that now attracts many visitors.
The report used 3D digital models to illustrate the transformation of a former waste dump at Zijinshan. Over an area of 15.87 square kilometers, 4.27 million plants have been established. This new vegetation absorbs enough carbon each year to balance out emissions from approximately 300,000 vehicles, highlighting the company’s focus on sustainable development.
Another example presented in the feature was the De’erni Copper Mine in Qinghai. Located on a plateau with a sensitive ecosystem, this site has become one of China’s first national case studies for ecological restoration at mine sites.
Zijin Mining’s approach is rooted in what it calls the Five-Pronged Mining Engineering Model, which integrates exploration, mining, processing, metallurgy, and environmental protection. According to the company, this model challenges traditional views of mining by making sustainability central throughout all stages of its projects.
Instead of waiting until mines close to begin rehabilitation work—a common industry practice—Zijin has implemented “Restore While Developing” since it began operations. Environmental management is conducted during every phase of a mine’s lifecycle. At Zijinshan Gold-Copper Mine specifically, decades of experience have led to a set process involving layered water management, slope shortening, soil remediation, and targeted planting strategies. This process is now being applied across Zijin’s international operations.
As Zijin expands globally, it states that it adheres to top international environmental standards for restoration work as well as wastewater recycling and emissions control. The company also focuses on biodiversity conservation and developing circular economy solutions for tailings management.
“Through 3D digital models, the report highlighted the rebirth of a waste dump at Zijinshan: across 15.87 km² of once-barren land, 4.27 million plants now flourish. This vegetation sequesters enough carbon annually to offset emissions from 300,000 vehicles—a testament to Zijin’s commitment to sustainable development.”
“The feature also showcased the striking contrast before and after ecological restoration at Zijin’s De’erni Copper Mine in Qinghai. Situated on a plateau with a fragile ecosystem, the operation has been recognized as one of China’s first national case studies in the ecological restoration of mine sites.”
“For Zijin employees, who work with nature on a daily basis, every mountain, stream, and plant commands deep respect. This ethos is reflected in Zijin’s Five-Pronged Mining Engineering Model, an integrated approach to exploration, mining, processing, metallurgy, and environmental protection. This model defies traditional perceptions of mining by embedding sustainability at every phase of mining projects.”
“Unlike the conventional method of “rehabilitation after mine closure”, Zijin has championed the principle of “Restore While Developing” since its inception, conducting environmental management throughout the lifecycle of mine sites. At the Zijinshan Gold-Copper Mine, decades of restoration experience crystallized into a mature formula: Layered Water Management, Slope Shortening, Soil Remediation,and Targeted Vegetation.Today,this formula is being adopted across Zijin’s global operations.”
“As Zijin expands its business across the world,it follows the highest international environmental standards—whether in ecological restoration,wastewater recycling ,emissions management ,or biodiversity conservation.From transforming waste dumps into mining parks to treating industrial wastewater for reuse and developing circular economy solutions for tailings,Zijin redefines how industry interacts with nature.The company demonstrates that industrial development and ecological health can advance in harmony.”
