Empowering Development through Technology, Promoting Win-Win Collaboration through Joint Innovation — A Documentary on BGRIMM's China-Africa Scientific and Technological Cooperation

President Xi Jinping pointed out: "China and Africa are answering the historical question through the joint exploration of modernization, working together to promote the historical cause of cooperation, win-win development, harmonious coexistence, and the common prosperity of civilizations." In the new era, while China steadily advances its domestic economic and social development, it has also achieved a series of outcomes in promoting China-Africa bilateral cooperation. The "Nine Projects" jointly implemented by China and Africa mark a solid step in deepening partnership cooperation and promoting sustainable development, serving as a historical witness to the building of the China-Africa community of shared destiny in the new era.

BGRIMM Technology Group deeply implements General Secretary Xi Jinping's important speeches and discussions on building a high-level China-Africa community of shared destiny. Relying on its status as a technology-driven central state-owned enterprise, BGRIMM fully leverages its advantages in comprehensive, full-chain, and full-lifecycle technological innovation. It actively serves China's scientific and technological diplomacy, highlighting technological empowerment and talent exchange in China-Africa cooperation. Together with its African mining counterparts, BGRIMM has written a beautiful chapter of win-win cooperation, harmonious coexistence, and shared prosperity.

From the Cape of Good Hope to the Sahara, from the East African Plateau to the Chad Basin, from the roaring beneficiation plants to the scorching smelting furnaces, from advanced processes to green reagents, from individual equipment to full project contracting, from breakthroughs in specific areas to improvements on a broader scale, and from quantity accumulation to qualitative leaps, BGRIMM has actively expanded its cooperation with over 10 African countries, including South Africa, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Republic of the Congo, and Zimbabwe. The company has continuously innovated its cooperation models and enriched its content. While building a strong technological reputation for China, BGRIMM has made significant contributions to Africa's independent and sustainable economic development.

Complementary Advantages and Innovation Path, Hand-in-Hand for Win-Win Cooperation

"Those who share the same aspirations will not be deterred by mountains and seas." With the deep implementation of the "Belt and Road" initiative and the advancement of the China-Africa "Nine Projects," BGRIMM, along with related institutions in African countries—particularly South African mining companies and research institutes—has worked to complement each other’s strengths in areas such as digitalization and greening of mining operations. This has further deepened and enriched their cooperation, allowing the ideal of win-win collaboration to take root and blossom, bearing fruitful results from mutual engagement.

China-south africa joint research center was inaugurated at minmetals group in september 2018.

In 2018, with the support and witness of the Ministries of Science and Technology of both China and South Africa, Belt and Road Joint Laboratory was inaugurated, jointly led by BGRIMM and the South African National Institute of Mining Technology. The center focuses on addressing major and critical technical challenges in the mining industry, conducting joint research, talent cultivation, and platform construction. In 2019, based on this center, the China-South Africa Joint Laboratory for Sustainable Development and Utilization of Mineral Resources under the "Belt and Road" initiative was officially established. BGRIMM collaborated with South African research institutions, such as the Mintek National Mining Research Institute, the South African Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), the University of Cape Town, and the University of Limpopo, to jointly tackle technical problems encountered in the development of mineral resources between China and South Africa. The technological cooperation projects span fields such as mining, beneficiation, automation, and new materials.

Since its establishment, the joint laboratory has achieved a series of breakthroughs, including essential safety design for deep mining, full automatic ground pressure monitoring and early warning during deep mining, high-precision 3D laser scanning measurement and evaluation technology for deep mining, the impact and optimization control of non-ferrous medium grinding on selection indicators, targeted molecular design and preparation of clean and efficient copper-sulfur collectors for precious metal recovery, fault diagnosis and online control of key equipment in beneficiation processes, preparation of permeable materials from fine tailings and simultaneous solidification of harmful components, high-temperature smelting and collection of platinum group metals from automobile exhaust purification catalysts, and the preparation of high-capacity lithium-rich manganese-based materials and their precursors. These core technologies have been granted multiple foreign patents and software copyrights, and several books have been published, along with numerous academic papers. This long list of achievements is not only a result of Sino-South African scientific cooperation but also the best testimony to the collaborative innovation and development between the two nations.

Technology Empowers Development, Harmony Promotes Prosperity

President Xi Jinping pointed out, "Humanity should work together in harmony, progress towards building a community with a shared future for mankind, and jointly create a better future." The "Harmony and Coexistence" concept, as an important symbol of Chinese traditional culture, embodies the values and national character of the Chinese people, serving as a fundamental ideological and value support for advancing the building of a community with a shared future for mankind in the new era.

BGRIMM deeply implements the spirit of President Xi Jinping's important speeches, fully utilizes the technological achievements from the innovative research platforms, and promotes technology transfer and results transformation based on local conditions. The group drives engineering project construction, promotes international capacity cooperation, and uses "mining wisdom" to empower Africa's modernization.

Promoting International Capacity Cooperation and Upgrading the "Value Chain"

BGRIMM has carried out a series of collaborations with African countries to deepen international capacity cooperation, continuously providing customized solutions for the development and sustainable growth of Africa's mineral resources, and supporting Africa's high-quality, green economic development.

PMC flotation plant night view, South Africa

The PMC flotation plant general contracting and copper smelting general contracting projects are exemplary projects of BGRIMM's assistance to the development of South Africa's copper smelting industry. This flotation plant is the largest of its kind in South Africa, utilizing advanced flotation short process technology and large-scale, intelligent equipment. It requires high standards and strict specifications for construction quality, with process, technology, equipment, energy consumption, and other indicators all meeting world-leading levels. The flotation recovery rate is more than 10% higher than the original beneficiation plant. The PMC copper smelting general contracting project uses advanced dual-side blow furnace technology to replace the original reverberatory furnace process, balancing economic benefits and green concepts. The transformed PMC smelting plant will become the largest copper smelting plant in South Africa.

For the technical challenges at the Lufuku Copper-Cobalt Mine in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), BGRIMM applied self-developed advanced process technologies, flotation equipment, and automation control systems, significantly reducing labor costs and safety risks. The project has been praised by the client as a model for DRC mining development, a management demonstration platform, and a benchmark for economic benefits. It has won the Second Prize for Outstanding Engineering Consulting Achievements and the First Prize for Excellent Engineering Design Achievements from the China Nonferrous Metals Construction Association. Based on the unique characteristics of the Green Sand Copper-Cobalt Mine in the DRC, BGRIMM developed distinctive mining, beneficiation, and smelting integrated engineering technologies, contributing to environmental protection, energy conservation, and reduced consumption. The project has received numerous honors, including the "Overseas Quality Engineering Award" from the National Chemical Engineering Construction Quality Award Review Committee.

For the efficient development of the Tonkolili Iron Ore Project in Sierra Leone, BGRIMM designed a super-large-scale mine with an annual production capacity of 30 million tons, employing safe and efficient mining techniques and beneficiation processes to provide technical support for the efficient development and utilization of Sierra Leone's mineral resources. This project has become one of the largest mutually beneficial cooperation projects between China and Sierra Leone. For the high-quality development of Madagascar's graphite mine, Minmetals Group provided a complete set of solutions, effectively protecting the large flakes in the graphite and improving the value of graphite products, enhancing their competitiveness. For the underground mining project at the Nyaforman mine in Ghana's FGM Company, BGRIMM considered safety, environmental protection, and the construction of a "green mine," using green, efficient, low-energy equipment to help the client achieve rapid resource recovery and value creation. For the natural endowment conditions of Sudan's NW Gold Mine, BGRIMM tailored a "one-stop" technical consulting plan, optimized dry selection processes, and fully utilized the actual site and elevation conditions to effectively save on subsequent beneficiation energy consumption.

BGRIMM is also working to streamline technology transfer and achievement conversion, acting as a driving force for the development of relevant industries in African countries.

Comprehensive recovery project for copper and cobalt resources in the democratic republic of congo (drc) and the mine panorama

BGRIMM, in response to the comprehensive recovery project for copper and cobalt resources in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), selected the most efficient crushing and grinding process, integrating beneficiation and smelting designs. The project utilizes smelting technology to recover copper and cobalt from difficult-to-float fine muds, effectively improving overall efficiency. After the full operation of this project, the mine is expected to become a large-scale copper mine with an annual production capacity of 100,000 tons, setting a new historical record for Chinese-funded companies in DRC mining project construction.

BGRIMM sent experts to conduct field research at the Luanshya Copper Mine in Zambia. Through rock mechanics tests, void detection plans, open-pit mining plans, and slope stability analysis, a comprehensive safety assessment was carried out for oxide ore mining. This resulted in the formulation of appropriate safety measures, effectively solving the key issues related to the safe mining of oxide ores and providing the technical basis for developing a safe and feasible mining plan. With the "Minmetals Solution," the company contributes to safe development.

In response to the natural conditions of the Arcadia Lithium Mine in Zimbabwe, BGRIMM innovatively adopted a four-stage, two-closed-circuit crushing and screening process, combining dry and wet screening, along with various mining, recovery, and flotation techniques. These measures simplified operational procedures, reduced losses of valuable minerals, and successfully achieved advanced, energy-efficient, and high-quality product indicators. The project was put into operation ahead of schedule, showcasing the "Minmetals Speed" across the African continent.

Boosting Emerging Industry Development with "Accelerated Speed"

BGRIMM, in collaboration with African countries, leverages its advantages in resources and technology to drive practical cooperation in emerging industries.

BGRIMM, together with the University of Cape Town, Northeastern University, and Jinchuan Group, formed a research team to study digital twin models for the beneficiation process. Substantial progress has been made in industrial trials, further promoting the construction of digital mines. The group has also engaged in in-depth cooperation with South African research institutions in the fields of lithium battery cathode materials and their precursors. By combining South African mineral resources with China's market resources and South Africa’s foundational theoretical computational resources with China's key technologies for the industrialization of cathode materials and precursors, they have jointly advanced the transformation of research results, achieving a win-win situation.

Driving Development with Practical Action

BGRIMM puts into practice General Secretary Xi Jinping's important directive: "Promote an inclusive development path, allowing people from all countries to share the benefits of development, allowing nations in the 'global village' to work together towards development and prosperity, and making the concept of win-win cooperation a consensus." A large number of innovative technologies, products, engineering projects, and experiences have been translated into tangible economic results across the African continent, driving local economic growth and highlighting BGRIMM’s role as a central enterprise in promoting the comprehensive utilization of mineral resources.

Building Bridges Through People-to-People Connectivity, Civilizations Thriving Together

"'The beauty of harmony lies in the unity of diversity.' The diversity of human civilizations is the basic characteristic of the world and the source of human progress." In discussing exchanges between civilizations, General Secretary Xi Jinping made this statement. Civilizational exchanges and mutual learning are key driving forces for the advancement of human civilization and the peaceful development of the world. The exchanges between different countries, nations, and cultures can strongly lay the human foundation for building a community with a shared future for humanity.

BGRIMM, through cooperation in the field of science and technology and overseas engineering projects, has established regular interactive communication mechanisms with several African countries. Through academic seminars, educational cooperation, and exchange training programs, the group and its African counterparts have learned from each other, injecting strong momentum into the building of a high-level China-Africa community with a shared future.

BGRIMM hosts "guinea enterprises modern management training program" from the ministry of commerce

Science and Technology Exchanges Build "Bridges of Hearts" BGRIMM has accelerated its efforts to promote the "going out" and "bringing in" of ideas, technologies, products, and talent. Participants in the Guinea Modern Management Training Program, as well as key figures such as the Presidents and Project Managers of the Nigerian Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture, and personnel from other relevant African institutions, have visited BGRIMM numerous times for exchanges and learning. Three chemical engineers from Algeria's ORGM Research Institute visited BGRIMM for a three-month exchange, mastering chemical analysis methods. Professors from South Africa's University of Gold Mines held online meetings, technical training, and joint research to formulate the business development strategy for the joint research center in the South African mining sector. They successfully completed two research projects, laying a solid foundation for comprehensive cooperation between China and South Africa. A young PhD from the University of Limpopo in South Africa worked with BGRIMM 's researchers on fundamental and applied research, producing academic and industrially applicable results. BGRIMM also sent four doctoral researchers, including Song Zhenguo, to visit the University of Cape Town and the University of Limpopo, where they published over 10 high-level academic papers together.

Staying True to Project Sites and Demonstrating the "Chinese Heart"

BGRIMM has made many remarkable contributions in Sino-African cooperative engineering projects. "Minmetals people" have written "Minmetals stories" by showing determination, hard work, and unwavering commitment, solving problems for local enterprises and building bridges of understanding between China and Africa. During the second phase of the Congo (Kinshasa) copper mine smelting project, BGRIMM 's metallurgical technology team faced numerous challenges but worked day and night to adjust the plans, ensuring the smooth operation and production of the project. One young member of the flotation team even postponed his wedding to travel to the Congo (Kinshasa) project site, where he stayed for nearly two months to conduct industrial tests and solve technical challenges. After the successful completion of the project, it was discovered that several local mines had technical needs in mineral processing. The project team postponed their return to China and stayed to assist with flotation tests at various Chinese-invested companies, providing technical support for local business development. During a project survey in Sudan, BGRIMM 's engineering team encountered armed conflict, and some of the team members were injured by shrapnel and debris. Despite the danger, the team continued to ensure the project was completed with high quality and efficiency, showcasing BGRIMM’s corporate responsibility as a state-owned enterprise.

Tailored Training to Stimulate "New Momentum"

To meet the talent needs of African countries, BGRIMM regularly holds China-South Africa Mineral Resources Comprehensive Utilization Training Programs. Since 2021, with strong support from the Ministry of Science and Technology of China, the Ministry of Science and Technology of South Africa, the Chinese Embassy in South Africa, the Ministry of Emergency Management of China, the South African Department of Mineral Resources and Energy, and Zambia's Ministry of Mines, BGRIMM has organized training sessions such as the China-South Africa Modern Mineral Processing Technology Training and the China-Africa Non-Coal Mine Mining and Safety Technology Network Training. These programs have trained nearly 500 participants from more than 10 countries, including China, South Africa, Zambia, and the Congo (Kinshasa), providing effective talent support for the safe and efficient production of many mining companies.

Promoting Co-construction and Sharing, Winning the "Friendship Award"

In September 2021, Phuti Ngoepe, the core technical leader from South Africa's University of Limpopo, was awarded the highest honor for foreign experts by the Chinese government – the "Chinese Government Friendship Award," following BGRIMM’s application. Over the past decade, BGRIMM, in collaboration with Professor Ngoepe and the South African research team, has undertaken numerous international cooperation projects, particularly in flotation reagents, mineral interfaces molecular simulation, and lithium battery materials. Some of the collaborative research achievements have been applied industrially in several mining enterprises, promoting the transformation of international cooperation in the mining sector from bilateral to multilateral. Through deep exchanges and cooperation, BGRIMM and Professor Ngoepe have forged a strong friendship, writing a beautiful story of "beauty in diversity, harmony in unity" along the path of Sino-South African technological cooperation.

South Africa PMC general contracting project site management service team

Promoting Youth Talent and Building a “Reserve Army”. BGRIMM, through joint research and exchange visits with South African universities and research institutions, has cultivated a large number of outstanding young talents with an international perspective. The group’s young scientific and research staff have received recognition such as the “Outstanding Young Author Award” at the 28th International Mineral Processing Congress (IMPC) and the runner-up in the 6th BRICS Youth Innovation Award competition. This has helped expand the international cooperation network in the field of mining technology.

BGRIMM’s South African PMC General Contracting Project Site Management Service Team, composed of young employees from the Group’s engineering company, metallurgy institute, automation institute, business department, and Beikong Technology, aims to “ensure construction production and promote project development.” The team formed a youth task force focused on site management, technical services, cultural integration, and risk prevention. It was recognized as the “21st National Youth Civilized Unit,” serving as a platform for promoting Chinese culture, telling the Chinese story, and showcasing the elegance of China.

Technology Empowerment for Development, Collaborative Innovation for Win-Win

BGRIMM upholds the value philosophy of “co-creation, win-win, and sharing” and the technological concept of “limited resources, unlimited innovation.” It has built solid partnerships with well-known African enterprises and research institutions, achieving significant development results. As BGRIMM deepens its market presence in Africa, its professional expertise and outstanding brand image are increasingly ingrained in the hearts of local clients. The Group’s overseas corporate image is constantly being refreshed, and the “BGRIMM Blue,” symbolizing BGRIMM Spirit, is rapidly spreading across the African continent. It has become a distinct mark of the Group’s continuous expansion and deepening cooperation in the African market.

New Era, New Journey

In the new era, BGRIMM will continue to implement President Xi Jinping’s important discourse on the development of China-Africa relations, further inherit the spirit of China-Africa friendship and the Silk Road spirit, and deepen the “Nine Projects” of China-Africa practical cooperation. The Group will actively participate in the Belt and Road Initiative, working hand-in-hand with African countries to deepen cooperation and exchange through innovation platforms. BGRIMM will promote the development of mineral resources in a “safe, green, efficient, and intelligent” direction, providing more industry chain mining project solutions with BGRIMM characteristics and core technologies for African countries. Together, China and Africa will create new opportunities for development, explore new momentum for growth, expand new spaces for collaboration, and share new achievements, collectively writing a new chapter of win-win cooperation, harmonious coexistence, and shared prosperity.

Source: China Nonferrous Metals News WeChat Official Account
Article Link: https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/nPHkDKdFWYu98dB0EtXX2A