Zijin Founder: Steps Down After Building $100B Mining Giant
We, at times, watch quietly as small companies grow. Then suddenly, they become giants. That is exactly the story of Zijin Mining. What began in the 1980s with a small gold mine in China has grown into one of the largest mining firms in the world. This year, Zijin’s market value surpasseUS$10000 billion, a huge milestone. Now, the founder behind this journey, Chen Jinghe, has announced he is stepping down as chairman. We will explore how Chen built Zijin, why he is stepping down, and what the future might hold for Zijin and the global mining world.
The Founder’s Journey
Chen Jinghe is a geologist by training. In the 1980s, he started Zijin Mining with one small gold mine in southeastern China. Over the decades, Chen led Zijin through steady growth. He used a clear vision: scale up mining operations and expand beyond China. Under his leadership, Zijin moved from a local miner to a global force.
His leadership style blended long-term outlook with pragmatic moves. He focused on commodity demand, gold, and copper, but also on building a strong global presence. That helped build trust among investors and partners.
Building a $100B Mining Giant
Today, Zijin is not only a gold miner. The company mines gold, copper, and other metals across multiple continents. In 2025, soaring global prices for gold and copper powered Zijin’s rise. Their first‑half revenue showed that metals demand remains high. With that surge, Zijin’s market cap climbed to about US$103 billion, making it the world’s third‑largest mining company by value. Only global giants BHP and Rio Tinto are ahead.
Zijin expanded worldwide. It now controls or holds stakes in hundreds of mining operations globally, in gold, copper, and more. Also, Zijin reorganized its overseas gold business into a separate unit, Zijin Gold International, indicating growing confidence in its global footprint and ambition to sustain growth.
Reasons Behind Stepping Down
On 30 November 2025, Zijin filed a public statement: Chen Jinghe will not accept nomination as a board candidate. Instead of continuing as chairman, he will become honorary chairman and senior consultant. Why? The official reason points to his age and family considerations. Chen is 68.
He suggested that Zijin is ready to shift from being “founder-driven” to “institution-driven.” At this point, the company’s leadership structure and management team appear mature enough for a transition. That said, as of now, the company has not named a successor to the chairman role.
Impact on Zijin Mining and the Industry
Many analysts believe this change may not shake the company’s foundation. Zijin’s competitiveness is now “systematic and structural,” not dependent on a single person. Yet, the transition could mark a shift. The company might adopt more institutional governance, expand its international projects further, and diversify its mining portfolio beyond traditional gold and copper.
For the broader mining industry, Zijin’s rise, and smooth leadership change, is a signal. Emerging and mid-tier miners might look to emulate its growth model: aggressive global expansion, diversified assets, and adaptability to market conditions.
Legacy of the Founder
Chen Jinghe’s legacy is impressive. He transformed a small gold mine into a global mining giant worth over US$100 billion. He showed that with vision, risk-taking, and strong execution, companies from emerging markets can compete globally. He also helped shift the idea of mining from isolated mines to global systems, integrating production, acquisitions, and asset management across continents. That set a new standard in the sector.
For future entrepreneurs and business leaders, his story is a lesson: don’t just aim for local success, think global. And when growth happens, know when to hand over the reins.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Zijin Mining
With Chen Jinghe stepping back from active leadership, Zijin’s board recently approved amendments to its governance structure. Notably, the supervisory committee was abolished, and new senior management roles were created. Meanwhile, Chen was named lifetime honorary chairman. These changes suggest Zijin is preparing for a new era, less personality-driven and more institution-driven. This could help in building stronger corporate governance, attracting global investment, and pursuing aggressive growth without disruption.
The company seems ready for future challenges: volatile commodity prices, regulation, and environmental scrutiny. But with a diversified global portfolio and seasoned management, Zijin may navigate such challenges well.
Conclusion
The story of Zijin Mining and its founder is remarkable. From a humble gold mine in China to a $100 billion global titan, that journey shows what bold vision, persistence, and smart strategy can build. Now, as Chen Jinghe steps down, we may enter a new chapter for Zijin. One that tests whether the company will remain steady under institutional leadership. Given recent performance and strong fundamentals, we believe Zijin has a good shot at continuing its rise.
Its journey reminds us: great success often begins small, but with ambition, it can reach stratospheric heights.
FAQS
Zijin Mining has faced criticism and legal trouble over environmental harm. In one case, it was fined about US$4.6 million because a toxic spill from the Zijinshan mine polluted a river and killed thousands of fish.
Zijin Mining is a large Chinese mining company. It is controlled by state‑owned interests in China, and not by a private individual.
Yes. In early 202, Zijin began negotiating to acquire a large stake in Zangge Mining, a lithium and potash producer. This deal would expand Zijin’s control over critical minerals like lithium.
Disclaimer:
The content shared by Meyka AI PTY LTD is solely for research and informational purposes. Meyka is not a financial advisory service, and the information provided should not be considered investment or trading advice.
