Chinas Zijin Mining Gold Copper and Control from Tibet to Ghana
Introduction
Zijin Mining Group has emerged as a major vehicle through which the Chinese state is consolidating control over critical mineral resources across Asia Africa and Central Asia. Its rapid expansion in gold and copper mining links extractive activity to broader political strategic and geopolitical objectives. From Tibet to Ghana Zijins growth reflects a pattern in which commercial mining is used to secure long term leverage over resource rich regions with limited local bargaining power.
Corporate growth and financial performance
Zijin Mining has reported an estimated net income of approximately fifty two billion yuan for the year two thousand twenty five driven by high global prices for copper gold and silver. This level of profitability provides strong financial backing for overseas acquisitions and reinforces Chinas ability to secure control over minerals that are central to modern industry defence manufacturing and infrastructure development. Rising share values and strong cash flow have further reduced borrowing costs enabling continued expansion abroad.
Production targets and strategic intent
The company has announced ambitious targets for two thousand twenty six including one hundred and five tonnes of mined gold and one point two million tonnes of copper. These represent significant year on year increases and go beyond narrow commercial considerations. Copper and gold are strategically important materials and Chinese policy has long treated secure access to them as a national priority. Zijins expansion therefore aligns closely with state objectives rather than operating as a neutral market driven enterprise.
Mining expansion in Tibet
A central driver of Zijins increased output is the expansion of the Julong copper mine in Tibet. Tibets political status and human rights situation remain deeply contested and large scale mining further entrenches central control over the region. The transformation of the Tibetan plateau into an extraction zone marginalises local communities and places severe stress on a fragile high altitude ecosystem. Decisions regarding land and resources are imposed without meaningful consent from affected populations.
Environmental and transboundary risks
Copper mining on the Tibetan plateau poses serious environmental risks. The region is the source of major Asian river systems that support millions of people across South and Southeast Asia. Pollution or disruption linked to mining activity threatens water security and livelihoods far beyond Chinas borders including in India Bangladesh and the Mekong basin. Despite these risks projects are advanced under narratives of development and the green transition while local opposition is systematically sidelined.
Overseas acquisitions and global reach
Zijins push toward an annual gold output of one hundred tonnes has been accelerated through acquisitions abroad particularly in Ghana and Kazakhstan. These investments extend Chinese state linked influence into regions where governance structures are often weak and debt pressures limit the ability of host countries to negotiate fair terms. While financial analysts describe these assets as high quality the concentration of ownership in foreign hands raises serious concerns about sovereignty transparency and long term national interest.
Social and environmental concerns abroad
Across Africa Central Asia and Latin America communities affected by Chinese mining projects have raised repeated concerns regarding labour conditions environmental degradation and the lack of transparent benefit sharing. Zijins expansion follows a familiar pattern in which profits are externalised while environmental and social costs are borne locally. This dynamic reinforces dependency and limits the capacity of host states to assert regulatory control.
Environmental damage at the Julong mine
At the Julong mine environmental damage is already evident. Large scale extraction has accelerated ecological degradation across the Himalayan plateau. Toxic waste threatens river systems flowing into neighbouring countries while mining related emissions contribute to glacier melt and intensify climate risks. Deforestation habitat loss and declining biodiversity further undermine one of Asias most sensitive ecological zones. This form of state backed extraction normalises environmental harm while weakening regional sovereignty.
Strategic implications of mineral control
Copper and gold are not neutral commodities. Copper is essential for defence electronics power grids and infrastructure linked to energy transition strategies. Gold remains central to financial reserves and provides a hedge against sanctions and economic pressure. By rapidly scaling production in both sectors Zijin strengthens Chinas position in future economic or geopolitical confrontations where access to materials can be used as leverage.
Conclusion
Zijin Minings rise cannot be understood solely as a corporate success. Its profits production targets and overseas acquisitions reflect a broader strategy in which state backed resource companies are used to extend Chinese control from Tibet to Africa. This process reshapes regional and global power balances while environmental damage loss of local control and social disruption are absorbed by the regions where extraction takes place. The case of Zijin Mining highlights the urgent need for greater scrutiny accountability and international awareness of how resource extraction is being used as a tool of strategic influence.
Disclaimer
The opinions expressed in this report are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official views or position of Tibet Rights Collective. The organization assumes no responsibility for the content presented.