China’s Zijin Mining has commissioned Phase 2 of its Julong copper mine into production. The expansion adds 200,000 tonnes of daily processing capacity, driving Julong’s annual production to between 300,000 and 350,000 tonnes of copper.
“The commissioning of Phase 2 represents a qualitative leap in Zijin’s capability to develop large copper mines under complex, high-altitude conditions. The project anchors Zijin’s broader plan to achieve an annual copper production of 800,000 tonnes in Xizang, laying the foundation for the company’s long-term growth in the region,” Zijin Chairman Zou Laichang said.
“I applaud the perseverance, dedication and unity demonstrated by all participants who built this project against all odds. Their spirit holds the key to Zijin’s steady, long-term growth.”
Completed in just 18 months at an elevation above 5,000 meters, Phase 2 brings Julong’s total throughput to 350,000 tonnes per day. As China’s largest copper mine, Julong produced more than 190,000 tonnes of copper in 2025.
With Phase 2 coming online, the mine’s processing capacity will surge from 45 million tonnes per annum to over 105 million tonnes. The mine’s copper production volume is expected to reach 300,000 tonnes in 2026, while annual molybdenum output will grow from 8,000 tonnes in 2025 to approximately 13,000 tonnes.
Zijin said it is also developing and refining plans for Julong’s Phase 3. If approved, mining will extend to lower elevations, allowing for the extraction of more than 20 million tonnes of copper reserves. The mine’s processing capacity could reach 200 million tonnes per annum, with an annual copper output of roughly 600,000 tonnes. Once achieved, Julong would become the world’s largest copper mine by throughput.
Source: Zijin Mining