Zijin Mining Targets 105t Gold Production for 2026

China-based mining company Zijin Mining projected a net profit attributable to shareholders of approximately RMB51 billion (US$7.2 billion) to RMB52 billion  for the year 2025. This estimate represents a year-on-year growth rate between 59% and 62%, attributed to production expansion, operational efficiency, and commodity prices.

Zijin Mining also reported a valuation increase, surpassing RMB880 billion in 2025. This valuation positions Zijin Mining alongside global industry peers such as BHP and Rio Tinto. In capital market developments, the company listed its overseas gold arm, Zijin Gold International, on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKEX) and acquired a controlling stake in Zangge Mining.

Regarding production, Zijin reported 2025 mined gold output of 90t, a 23.5% increase year-on-year, while mined copper production rose 2% to 1.09Mt. The company noted that the acquisition of the Akyem Gold Mine in Ghana and the Raygorodok Gold Mine in Kazakhstan contributed to the gold output. Additionally, the Phase II expansion of the Julong Copper Mine in China began commissioning in December.

Zijin Mining noted that its targets for 2026 include 105t of mined gold, 1.2Mt of mined copper, 120,000t of lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE), and 520t of mined silver. If achieved, the gold production target would surpass the 100t milestone.

Zijin’s Lithium Objectives

On Dec. 10, 2025, Zijin Mining commenced production at the Xiangyuan Hard-Rock Lithium Mine, its first operation extracting lithium from lepidolite. This integrated mining, processing, and metallurgical facility aims to bolster the company's position among global suppliers. The project was delivered in just over two years and is designed for an annual mining capacity of 5Mt, combined with a refining capacity of 30,000t of battery-grade lithium carbonate.

The mine addresses the challenges of low-grade deposits by recovering associated metals such as tin, tungsten, rubidium, and cesium alongside lithium. Chen Jinghe, Chair, Zijin Mining noted that despite current price pressures, the company intends to utilize technological innovation to extract value from these resources. The commissioning coincides with a reported rebound in trading activity driven by demand growth.

Zijin Mining reported that it adopted a counter-cyclical strategy, advancing its Two Lakes and Two Mines portfolio. Alongside Xiangyuan, the Lakkor Tso Lithium Brine Project in Xizang and the 3Q Lithium Brine Project in Argentina were commissioned in 2025. The Manono Northeast Lithium Mine in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is scheduled for 2026. With total resources of 17.88Mt LCE, the company targets an annual production of 250,000t to 300,000t by 2028, expected to position Zijin Mining among the world’s top 3 to 5 lithium producers.