My curiosity never left me. It helped me learn about new people, companies, skills, and ideas. One event inspired me and I must say that this enriched my knowledge.

The recent meeting of SCO-SHANGHAI COOPERATION ORGANIZATION took place in Tianjin, China, between August 31st and September 1st. I was impressed with the positive atmosphere among the leaders. This atmosphere reflected tremendous possibility for growth of all the nations who participated. It showed once again that diversity, when used as an opportunity, can become a flywheel for progress and ultimate happiness. Happy people drive progress and prosperity for all in the society who are ready to learn. Those can exchange knowledge, ideas, and vision for mutual benefit! When I say mutual, I must explain that when saying mutual I think of the individual and his country! It is a WIN WIN situation!

With that positive feeling, I was awaiting the Beijing parade and the speech of President Xi Jinping. I reported it in a separate post. “HISTORY WARNS US THAT COOPERATION IS A KEY FOR PEACE”. This quote reflected the speech of President Xi Jinping. 

Key word COOPERATION made me continue further and  research different Chinese companies, their development, and strategies.

That is how I came to “meet” ZiJin Mining. This happened after the chairman of ZiJin Mining met with one of the independent leaders. That leader is a person with tremendous integrity, President Vučić of Serbia. They recently met in Beijing. President Vučić visited to attend a glorious military parade. The parade commemorated 80 years of China winning over Japan in the Second World War.

That is how this post was born! I researched ZiJin Mining and came with absolutely exceptional information!

As you should know, the substance is always in detail. I reviewed ZiJin Mining announcements that cover company strategy and achievements. I also communicated with a few people who worked in mining. Through this, I came to the common sense conclusion. Environmental issues play a serious role in the mining business. These issues are closely looked after in ZiJin Mining.

However, nothing of this would be an issue if there were no people with vision ready to undertake calculated risk. Calculated because it was connected with knowledge and intuition, and as I said, vision!

I am talking about the founder of ZiJin, Mr. Chen Jinghe. As reported, it was 1982, and Mr. Jinghe was fresh out of university. He had an assignment to seek gold on ZiJin mountain situated in humid highlands of southwestern China. It paid off! The deposits he with his team unearthed became China largest gold mine. It marked the start of a state-owned colossus now worth more than $67 billion. Today, it has many foreign investments including the Serbian investment. All those are fueling further Zijin copper and gold supply growth. This growth is testing other established global players. It is worthy to note that in the 1980s, Mr. Chen Jinghe received the China National Science and Technology Progress Award (First Prize). He was recognized for discovering and measuring Zijinsan gold over a large copper deposit. That illustrates the power of knowledge when it is connected with vision. It brings happiness to many people, rather than just success. And something else! It confirms that the core idea of ZiJin mining is investment in its people!

My research showed that ZiJin mining is pioneering a different approach to environmental protection. In today’s world, this is one of the most important parts of the whole process. People have become more and more concerned about the environment.

From recent meeting between President Vucic of Serbia and Mr.Zijin’s Chairman Chen Jinghe. Source: https://www.zijinmining.com/news/news-detail-122298.htm

And here I came to the title of the post that further tickled already high curiosity!

It comes from one of the articles at ZiJin Mining website that explains their unique policy, their unique environmental practice of

“RESTORE WHILE DEVELOPING!“

My simple knowledge of mining is paired with the reminiscence of my childhood. When I was visiting my grandparents’ house near the coal mine, I listened to the neighbors who were miners. I heard many life stories and experiences. Many of those old miners said there was no way back then to restore the environment. They believed it was impossible while developing the mine!

And here it was! ZiJin Mining has done something revolutionary!

So, it is crucial to report what does that means in practice!

Zijin has deviated from the conventional method of “rehabilitation after mine closure.” They champion the principle of “Restore While Developing.” They have done this since its start. They conduct environmental management throughout the lifecycle of mine sites. At the Zijinshan Gold-Copper Mine, decades of restoration experience have been condensed into a mature formula. It includes Layered Water Management, Slope Shortening, Soil Remediation, and Targeted Vegetation.

Now let me provide you with some photos from the Zijinshan mine. These photos are available in the public domain and took my breath away.

“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.”

What I noticed after research are two important points. First, ZiJin Mining places its people at the centre of all its activities. These activities span from exploration through mining, processing, smelting, and environmental protection. When I say people, I mean the highly inspired, educated, dedicated people who are making the difference! The second point that I noticed is the attention to detail and generosity towards building stronger partnerships with people. Namely, ZiJin Mining made more investments and social contribution in their subsidiary in Serbia that substantially exceeded their commitments in the agreement.

The cooperation between Serbia and ZiJin Mining is lasting now seven years. It is a showcase that practically confirms China President Xi Jinping’s policy of WIN WIN. This policy supports and builds trust in cooperation between various countries and China!

This is the first post in the series, I will publish about ZiJin Mining. At the end of this first one I want to emphasize the power of the people inside of the ZiJin. There are two points to mention here.

First, 100 employees of Serbia Zijin Copper participated in a blood donation drive. This event occurred at the beginning of June in the town of Maidanpek, Serbia.

The second is the celebration of November 22, 2024. Employees who have worked in ZiJin Mining for 30 consecutive years were awarded medals. This was in recognition of their outstanding commitment and contribution!

Both points confirm that when one company invests in its people, her future and progress is guaranteed! It is another confirmation that the policy of WIN WIN works and between companies and their employees.  ZIJIN MINING under the chairmanship of Mr. Chen Jinghe understood that from the very beginning! That is how the trust is built and how the success of new investments is guaranteed!

To be continued with the emphasis on trust and Ironclad Friendship!

September 9, 2025

Darko Richard Lancelot

Philosophyofgoodnews

Connect and Respect