Zijin Mining Group Posts 52% Profit Surge Fueled by Rising Copper and Gold Prices Despite Slower Expansion Plans.

Zijin Mining Group, China’s largest metals producer, reported a 52% jump in profit last year as higher output and stronger copper and gold prices lifted earnings. Net income reached 32.1 billion yuan ($4.4 billion), while sales climbed 3.5% to 303.6 billion yuan—just shy of its forecast of a 53% increase to 32 billion yuan.

Over the past decade, the Fujian-based firm has expanded aggressively, establishing itself as a major global copper supplier through large-scale projects in both the Democratic Republic of Congo and China. Amid rising concerns over the security of critical mineral supplies, chairman Chen Jinghe reaffirmed the company’s commitment to strengthening its global competitiveness and risk resilience.

Recent adjustments indicate a slowing pace of expansion. In January, Zijin lowered its copper output target by about 6% to 1.15 million tons for this year. Its venture into lithium has also faltered, with last year’s production falling short and the 2025 target slashed by roughly 60% to 40,000 tons. Resistance to Chinese acquisitions in Western markets has further hampered its overseas push.