Zijin Mining Founder Chen Jinghe Steps Down After Decades of Transformative Growth
After Reaching $100B Valuation, Zijin Mining Founder Chen Jinghe Hands Over Leadership
Zijin Mining Group Co. founder Chen Jinghe will step down as chairman after guiding the company for decades and elevating it into one of the world’s leading metals producers.
According to a Saturday exchange filing, the 68-year-old executive chose not to seek re-nomination to the board, citing age and family considerations. He will transition into the role of honorary chairman and senior consultant. The Fujian-based company has not yet named his successor.
Under Chen’s leadership, Zijin grew from a small gold mine in China in the 1980s into a global mining powerhouse. Earlier this year, the company’s market value surpassed $100 billion for the first time, driven by soaring prices for core commodities such as copper and gold. Among global miners, its valuation now trails only Rio Tinto and BHP.
Analysts at Citigroup Inc., including Jack Shang, described Zijin’s competitive advantages as “systematic and structural,” adding that the company’s long-term growth trajectory remains strong. The bank reiterated its top-pick rating on the miner, noting that its copper and lithium assets appear undervalued.
In the statement, Chen emphasized that a company built to endure “must evolve from being founder-led to institution-led.” He added that Zijin’s management team is experienced and ready to carry the company into its next phase of development.
Zijin shares rose as much as 6.9% in Hong Kong on Monday, supported by gains across copper producers after the metal reached a new record high.
