Zijin Mining has been recognized in a recent report by the Shanghai Stock Exchange (SSE) for its environmental, social, and governance (ESG) achievements. The report, released on August 15, marks the 20th anniversary of the “green mountains are gold mountains” philosophy, which values ecological health alongside economic development.
The SSE document reviews the progress of ESG practices in China over two decades. It includes case studies from 32 companies across 17 industries and highlights how ESG reporting has shifted from voluntary efforts to more structured compliance among companies listed on the exchange. Zijin Mining is featured for its efforts in low-carbon transition and inclusive growth.
According to the report’s section titled “Actively Benchmarking Against International Standards and Exploring Industry Best Practices,” Zijin Mining began setting strategic ESG goals in 2021. The company adopted the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) framework in its climate response report in 2023 and aligned its ESG reporting with the IFRS S1 standard in 2024. As a result, Zijin reduced its carbon emissions per unit of industrial added value by 21% compared to 2020 levels, reaching its target for 2025 ahead of schedule. Since 2021, Zijin’s installed clean energy capacity increased more than five times, and re-vegetated areas expanded to nearly 34.76 million square meters. The company also reported that its annual social contribution grew by over 30% on average since 2021, benefiting employees and local communities.
“The SSE report outlines the evolution of ESG in China, from policies and milestone events to corporate practices from 2005 to 2025. It presents year-by-year case studies from 32 companies across 17 industries, reflecting the historic shift from sporadic voluntary disclosures to systematic, compliance-driven ESG reporting by SSE-listed companies. Zijin Mining is highlighted in the report’s case study section with a detailed segment on its pursuit of low-carbon transition and inclusive growth.”
“Zijin’s feature within the report, titled ‘Actively Benchmarking Against International Standards and Exploring Industry Best Practices’, outlines the company’s progressive ESG journey—setting strategic ESG goals in 2021, adopting the TCFD framework in its climate response report in 2023, and aligning its ESG report with the IFRS S1 standard in 2024. It also illustrates Zijin’s transition from international benchmarking to industry leadership with concrete figures: As of 2024, the company’s carbon emissions per unit of industrial added value had fallen by 21% compared to its 2020 levels, achieving its 2025 target ahead of schedule. Since 2021, its installed clean energy capacity has expanded more than fivefold and its re-vegetated areas have reached 34.76 million square meters. Notably, the company’s annual social contribution grew by over 30% on average since 2021, benefiting employees, communities and society at large.”
This recognition comes as Chinese regulators encourage greater transparency and accountability around sustainability issues among public companies.
