Besides further exploration, mining, and recycling, the plan also emphasizes technological advancements.
On Sunday, China unveiled a new work plan intended to strengthen its domestic nonferrous metals industry over the next two years. The initiative aims for an annual value-added growth rate of approximately 5% and an average yearly output increase of 1.5% across the country’s top ten nonferrous metals.
The top ten nonferrous commodities under the plan are: copper, aluminum, lead, zinc, nickel, tin, antimony, mercury, magnesium, and titanium. In addition, it highlights strategic metals such as rare earth elements, gallium, and tungsten, aiming for breakthroughs in high-end materials and stricter efficiency standards for processing.
The plan also sets a target of producing over 20 million tons of recycled metals, reflecting Beijing’s growing emphasis on resource efficiency and green transformation.
To achieve these goals, the program employs a multi-pronged strategy: strengthening resource security through new mineral prospecting, expanding recycling and renewable resource bases for metals and batteries, promoting technological innovation, and fostering international cooperation through overseas projects, foreign investment, and Belt and Road Initiative projects.
Photo: iStock/Igor Kutyaev
