BGRIMM technology group: Joining Hands to Build the Road of Innovation and Achieving Fruitful Outcomes in Technological Cooperation under the "Belt and Road" Initiative

Technological innovation cooperation is a crucial component of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). BGRIMM actively implements the BRI, deepening technological cooperation with the participating countries, and wholeheartedly building the “Road of Innovation,” the “Road of Prosperity,” and the “Road of Civilization.” The group is committed to improving the efficiency of comprehensive utilization of mineral resources, addressing challenges in the resource sector, achieving technological advancements, providing technological support for mineral resource development projects in BRI countries, and contributing to sustainable development through its expertise in the mineral and metallurgical industry.

Improving Cooperation Mechanisms and Strengthening Technological Empowerment for High-Quality Joint Construction of the "Road of Innovation"

Mineral and Metallurgical Group has always considered technological innovation as a strategic support and fundamental driving force for the high-quality development of the enterprise, actively contributing to technological innovation in the global mineral and metallurgical industry.

Beijing IMPC Sows the “Seeds of Cooperation”: In 2008, the 24th World Conference on Mineral Processing, organized solely by Mineral and Metallurgical Group, was grandly held in Beijing. It was the first and only time this prestigious and authoritative international academic conference in the field of mineral processing was held in China. This event sowed the “seeds” for deepening and enriching China’s international technological cooperation in the mineral and metallurgical field.

China-South Africa Technological Cooperation Yields “New Achievements”: Since 2009, Mineral and Metallurgical Group has worked with the University of Cape Town and eight Chinese and South African institutions to launch the third phase of the China-South Africa Technological Cooperation Special Project, leading to a series of innovative results and establishing a stable international joint research team. In 2018, the China-South Africa Mineral Resources Sustainable Development and Utilization Joint Research Center was established. In June 2019, China-South Africa Belt and Road Joint Laboratory on Sustainable Exploration and Utilization of Mineral Resources was officially launched, becoming one of the first 14 national “Belt and Road” joint laboratories, aimed at promoting a long-term and stable technological cooperation partnership between China and South Africa.

BGRIMM Partner Program Expands its “Circle of Friends”: In May 2019, the group launched the “Belt and Road” Mineral and Metallurgical Technology Partner Program, establishing 15 joint laboratories with enterprises and research institutions from 11 countries, including South Africa, Mongolia, and Serbia. This program focuses on joint research, results transformation, industry services, and personnel exchanges, providing technical support for Chinese enterprises and promoting international technological progress in the mineral and metallurgical sector, thus achieving win-win cooperation in multiple areas.

Through joint efforts, Mineral and Metallurgical Group has built a Belt and Road Mineral and Metallurgical Technology Innovation Cooperation Network with countries along the Belt and Road, jointly promoting technological progress in the international mineral and metallurgical field and making a positive contribution to technological advancements in these countries.

Upholding Mutual Benefit and Promoting International Capacity Cooperation for High-Quality Joint Construction of the "Road of Prosperity"

BGRIMM leverages innovative technological achievements to actively promote technology transfer and results transformation, drive the development of emerging industries, and contribute to international capacity cooperation, helping to build the "Road of Prosperity."

Smooth Technology Transfer and Results Transformation “Expressway”: The group maximizes the role of technology transfer in supporting industry and economic development. In Mongolia, the group carries out scientific and technological cooperation in mining, applying advanced technological results to production lines, ensuring the safety of mine workers, and improving production efficiency. It also established a joint venture with Russia’s Mikhanobur Technical Joint Stock Company, establishing stable communication and exchange mechanisms and actively participating in various technological exchange activities.

Emerging Industries Develop at “Accelerated Speed”: The group is actively promoting cooperation in emerging industries, integrating South Africa's basic theoretical research with China’s key industrial technologies to explore new markets in the new energy industry. In collaboration with the University of Cape Town, Northeastern University, and Jinchuan Group in China, the group formed a research team to study and conduct industrial trials on the digital twin model of mineral processing flow, achieving substantial progress and further advancing the global construction of digital mines.

International Capacity Cooperation Upgrades the “Value Chain”: Through international technological cooperation, the group supports the construction of overseas engineering projects, applying green, efficient, and safe design concepts to projects like the South Africa PMC flotation plant, Congo (Kinshasa) Rususi Copper-Cobalt Mine, and Kazakhstan Kounrad hydrometallurgical copper smelting project, resulting in significant economic and social benefits, and strongly promoting local economic and industrial development.

Night view of the South Africa PMC flotation plant.

Over the past decade, a large number of jointly innovated technologies and products have been transformed into tangible economic results in many countries around the world, driving local economic growth and steadily advancing the "Belt and Road" prosperity path.

Strengthening Communication and Mutual Learning, Promoting People-to-People Connections, and Building the "Civilization Road" Together with High Quality

Over the past ten years, BGRIMM has established a regular communication and exchange mechanism through visits, educational cooperation, academic seminars, and other forms, injecting strong momentum into the construction of the "Civilization Road."

Building Bridges through Personnel Exchanges:
BGRIMM actively carries out both “bringing in” and “going out” initiatives for mining and metallurgy technical talents from around the world. This includes hosting specialized reports and technical exchanges at the China-Mongolia Mining Technology Forum; collaborating with professors from South Africa's Goldsmith University to develop business development strategies for the joint research center in the field of South African mineral resources; inviting PhD students from South Africa’s Limpopo University to exchange and learn at BGRIMM, creating research outcomes with academic value and industrial application potential; and sending four Chinese mining and metallurgy researchers to South Africa for academic exchanges.

Localized Talent Development to Stimulate "New Energy":
In response to the talent needs of countries along the Belt and Road, BGRIMM, with the support of relevant departments in China and South Africa, has been regularly holding the "China-South Africa Mineral Resources Comprehensive Utilization Series Training Courses" at the joint laboratory since 2021. Nearly 500 trainees from more than 10 countries, including China, South Africa, and Mongolia, have been trained, providing effective talent support for safe and efficient production in mining enterprises.

Fostering Young Talent to Build the "Reserve Army":
Through joint research and exchange visits, BGRIMM has completed more than 30 cooperative projects, jointly trained nearly 30 graduate students, published over 50 high-quality academic papers in the industry, and obtained dozens of patents, creating an outstanding young reserve team with an international perspective.

In the past ten years of international cooperation, a batch of high-quality scientific and technological achievements has been promoted and applied, and an internationalized young talent team has grown rapidly. This has helped build a "BGRIMM Home" that bridges hearts and minds. BGRIMM will adhere to the technological concept of "limited resources, unlimited innovation," strengthen cooperation and exchange, and work with countries and regions along the Belt and Road to promote the development and utilization of mineral resources in a "safe, green, and efficient" direction.

Source: State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of the State Council
Link: http://www.sasac.gov.cn/n2588025/n2588124/c29081629/content.html