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Julong mine, China

3rd April 2026

By: Sheila Barradas

Creamer Media Research Coordinator & Senior Deputy Editor

     

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Name of the Mine
Julong mine.

Location  
Maizhokunggar County, Lhasa, Xizang Autonomous Region, Tibet, China.

Mine Owner/s  
Tibet Julong Copper Co, a subsidiary of Zijin Mining Group.

Brief Description  
Julong is set to be China’s largest copper mine by mining and processing scale, and the largest copper mine commissioned globally this century.

If Phase 3 of the mine is approved, it will become the world’s largest copper mine by mining and processing scale, with the lowest grade and the highest elevation.

Brief History  
Zijin Mining Group acquired 50.1% equity interest in Julong Copper in 2020. 

In 2021, Julong Copper used the mining right permits of the Qulong copper and polymetallic mine, and the Zhibula copper and polymetallic mine; the exploration right licence of Rongmucuola; and certain machinery, equipment and other movable properties as collateral for a secured syndicated loan from six financial institutions for the construction of the Julong Copper project. 

Zijin Mining Group acquired Zangge Mining in April 2025, and upon the completion of the acquisition, the equity interest in Julong Copper increased from 50.1% to 58.16%.

Primary Metals/Minerals  
Copper.

Secondary Metals/Minerals  
Silver and molybdenum.

Geology/Mineralisation  
Jukong is an ultralarge porphyry copper/molybdenum deposit, with low ore grades.

Reserves  
Total proven and probable reserves as at December 31, 2025, were estimated at 19.45-million tonnes grading 0.28 g/t gold.

Resources  
Julong had total mineral resources of contained copper, as at December 31, 2025, of 25.68-million tonnes grading at 0.29%; silver at 15 000 t; and molybdenum at 1.68-million tonnes.

Type of Mine
Openpit.

Mining Method  
Flotation.

Major Infrastructure/Equipment  
Not disclosed.

Prospects  
Zijin is developing and refining plans for Phase 3 of the Julong mine. Planning of Phase 3 of the project is being accelerated. If approved, it is expected to ultimately achieve ore mining and processing volume of about 200-million tonnes a year and an yearly mine-produced copper production of 600 000 t, making it the copper mine with the largest mining and processing scale, with the lowest grade and at the highest altitude in the world. 

Contact Details 
Zijin Mining Group
Tel +86 0597 3833105
Email zjky@zjky.cn
Website https://www.zijinmining.com/

 


 

Edited by Creamer Media Reporter

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