BGRIMM: The Original Aspiration of Serving the Country through Technology Remains Unchanged; Innovation Drives Development to "Change" the Future

Reform and Development of Nonferrous Industry Research Institutes (1999–2024)

The BGRIMM technology Group is a central enterprise under the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission (SASAC) of the State Council and one of the first national innovative enterprises. Its predecessor, the Beijing Nonferrous Metals Research Institute, was established in 1956, and it restructured into a large central science and technology enterprise in 1999. In 2017, it completed the company transformation. Over nearly 70 years, under the strong leadership of the Communist Party of China, the group has grown and thrived with national policies, adapting to the times, strengthening itself by leveraging opportunities, and deeply engaging in mineral resource comprehensive development and utilization technologies and engineering services. It has refined advanced materials technology and products, expanded resource recycling and environmental protection business, and made significant contributions to safeguarding national mineral resource security, promoting technological progress in the mining and metallurgy sector, and advancing industry development.

In the 25 years since its transformation, especially after the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, Mining and Metallurgy Group has adhered to General Secretary Xi Jinping's important discussions on the reform and development of state-owned enterprises, party building, and the deepening of comprehensive reforms and technological innovation. The group follows the innovation-driven development strategy, focusing on enhancing three core functions: serving national major strategies, leading technological progress in the industry, and fostering strategic emerging industries. By relying on development to drive improvement, the company continuously creates superior technological products and enhances its scientific innovation capabilities, firmly positioning itself as the "national team" and "main force" for technological innovation in the field of mineral resource development and utilization.

01 Decades of Reform and Transformation: A Grand Process of Change

From Winter’s Snow to Spring’s Winds

In 1956, the predecessor of Mining and Metallurgy Group—the Mineral Processing Research and Design Institute under the Ministry of Heavy Industry—was established. With the steps of reform and opening up, China began the process of science and technology system reforms, and the operational mechanisms of research institutes underwent significant changes. The group’s development can be divided into four stages.

Starting the Reform Exploration (1978–1985): Welcoming the Spring of Science
In 1978, the National Science and Technology Conference was held, marking the beginning of the "spring of science," which rejuvenated the scientific landscape of China. The conference emphasized that science and technology are productive forces, intellectuals are part of the working class, and the modernization of science and technology is key to the four modernizations. This opened the door to the reform of China’s science and technology system. During this period, Mining and Metallurgy Group undertook numerous fundamental and applied research tasks, promoted technological progress, and assisted in industrial upgrades. The group gradually became one of the largest scientific research and design institutions in the mining and metallurgy field, with comprehensive and full lifecycle technological innovation capabilities. The group adhered to its founding mission of "relying on technological progress to develop the nonferrous metal industry" and made strong contributions to the development of the industry, laying a solid foundation for future reforms.

Breakthroughs in Reform (1985–1999): Opening a New Chapter in Reform
In March 1985, the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China issued the "Decision on Science and Technology System Reform," marking the beginning of a new era for science and technology as the primary productive force. During this period, Mining and Metallurgy Group was approved as a pilot reform unit. It gradually transitioned from a single research institute to a market-oriented, autonomous, and technology-innovative entity focused on economic construction. The group implemented external paid contract systems and internal various forms of assessment and contracting, taking the first step in market-oriented reform. Subsequent reforms further adjusted research directions, strengthened product development, and promoted the integration of scientific research, engineering design, and technological industries. These reforms facilitated significant technological development, and in the spirit of "unity, pragmatism, pioneering, and dedication," the group’s scientific achievements were successfully converted into productive forces. The enthusiasm of Mining and Metallurgy professionals increased as they worked courageously towards technological independence, national prosperity, and the enhancement of the country’s strength.

BGRIMM

Reform Progress in Depth (1999–2012): Establishing a High-End Brand

In May 1999, the State Council approved a plan for the transformation of 242 research institutions under the management of the State Economic and Trade Commission into corporate enterprises. This marked the beginning of large-scale reforms in China’s research institutes. As a result, Mining and Metallurgy Group transformed into one of the 12 large science and technology enterprises directly under the central government. During this period, Mining and Metallurgy Group comprehensively promoted the reform of its science and technology system, taking solid steps in the reform of state-owned enterprises. The group gradually established functional service institutions, scientific research and design organizations, and industrial institutions that aligned with modern enterprise development. Through the reform approaches of classified management, structural adjustments, and layout optimization, the group transitioned its mechanisms to address significant and critical technological issues in national economic construction. This included shifts from basic technology and soft research to product research, from prototype development to the creation of products and solutions tailored to client needs, and from a research institute to a more dynamic and competitive enterprise. The group successfully paved a path for the corporatization of large-scale research institutes. Mining and Metallurgy Group has always adhered to the corporate mission of “strengthening the institute for the country, and achieving success for employees.” The group further integrated the national, corporate, and individual levels, leading to rapid expansion in scale, business diversification, and geographic coverage, forming a unique integrated model for achievement conversion. It has established a prominent and high-end brand image in the domestic and international mining and metallurgy fields.

Comprehensive Deepening of Reform (2012 to Present): Achieving High-Quality Development

Since 2012, China’s economic development has entered a new phase, which urgently requires the country to break free from reliance on traditional growth methods and achieve innovation-driven development. The 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China proposed the “implementation of an innovation-driven development strategy.” The Central Committee and the State Council introduced a series of policies and regulations, such as the “Several Opinions on Deepening System and Mechanism Reform and Accelerating the Implementation of the Innovation-Driven Development Strategy,” marking the entry of national-level restructured research institutes into a new phase of reform with a focus on enterprise transformation.

During this period, Mining and Metallurgy Group adhered to its mission of “serving the national innovation strategy, leading industry technological progress, promoting efficient resource development, and building a first-class technology enterprise.” With its public welfare-oriented, technology-driven nature, the group focused on national strategic priorities, overcoming challenges with the relentless pursuit of excellence and the courage to explore. This led to the development of several strategic and urgently needed original technologies, ensuring the domestication and controllability of key core technologies and equipment. Additionally, with the transformation into a company, the group began a new chapter in the deepening of state-owned enterprise reform, the improvement of modern enterprise systems, and the gradual realization of the modernization of corporate governance systems and capabilities. This transformation has made Mining and Metallurgy Group a key support force for achieving high-level technological independence and self-strengthening in China’s mining and metallurgy sectors.

BGRIMM research and development center

02 Decades of Hardship and Reform Achievements Continuously Breaking Through

Through hardship and adversity, true success is achieved. Over the 25 years since its transformation, Mining and Metallurgy Group has consistently upheld the principle of "serving the country's major interests," remaining focused on its mission and responsibility. The group has centered on enhancing its three core functions, with an emphasis on strengthening technological innovation capabilities. This focus has led to continuous improvements in its innovation system and core competitiveness, achieving significant results in seven key areas.

Continuous Enhancement of Innovation Capabilities and Strengthening of National Strategy Support
Since its transformation, Mining and Metallurgy Group has been dedicated to safeguarding national strategic interests, particularly in securing strategic mineral resources. The group has undertaken 1,248 projects, of which 845 are national-level projects. It has played an active role in major research initiatives organized by the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission (SASAC) and central enterprise innovation coalitions, taking on 22 major key scientific research tasks. As a result, it has become a critical strategic force in achieving high-level technological independence and self-reliance in China’s mining and metallurgy sectors.

Active Participation in National Scientific Diplomacy
The group has also been proactive in serving China's science and technology diplomacy. China-South Africa Belt and Road Joint Laboratory on Sustainable Exploration and Utilization of Mineral Resources became one of the first to be approved for construction nationally. The group has actively implemented the Mining and Metallurgy Science and Technology Partnership Plan, establishing 16 joint laboratories in 11 “Belt and Road” countries. This has expanded and solidified the group’s international network for scientific and technological cooperation in the mining and metallurgy fields, making significant contributions to the high-quality co-construction of the "Belt and Road."

China-South Africa Joint Research Center unveiling at BGRIMM

Technological achievements continuously emerging, significantly leading industry technological progress. As of the end of 2023, the number of national and provincial-level scientific and technological awards received by Mining and Metallurgy Group had increased by 28.8% and 31.8%, respectively, compared to 1999. Both the quantity and quality of these awards rank among the top in the industry. In 2016, the group led the completion of the "Controlled Pressure Leaching Technology for Complex and Difficult-to-Process Resources," which won the National Technological Invention Award (Second Class). In 2024, the group led the completion of the "Key Technologies and Equipment for Intelligent Underground Metal Mining," which won the National Science and Technology Progress Award (Second Class). Actively focusing on the main battlefield of the economy, the group has used technological innovation to transform and upgrade traditional industries. Since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, the group has undertaken over 5,200 industry-specific research projects. As of the end of 2023, Mining and Metallurgy Group had been granted 2,482 authorized patents, 23.2 times more than in 1999, and has 19 national-level scientific and technological platforms, 3.8 times more than in 1999. Through the promotion and application of technological achievements, the group has not only significantly promoted technological progress in the non-ferrous metal industry but also created both economic and social benefits for industry enterprises.

Continuous Optimization of Business Models, Enhanced Engineering Design and Service Capabilities Mining and Metallurgy Group has transitioned from a single research institute to an integrated development model combining scientific research, engineering design, and technological industries. The group has further evolved into a "four-in-one" development model, with technological innovation at its core, and engineering design, technological industries, and technical services advancing in synergy. Among these, the engineering design service capability has developed rapidly after the transformation, forming a diversified model centered on consulting and design, with equipment supply, project management, and general contracting as the main businesses. The group has received over 450 provincial and ministerial-level engineering consulting and design awards, 50 times the total number of awards before 1999, including seven national-level consulting and design awards. For example, the South African PMC flotation plant project, which the group undertook as the general contractor, achieved world-class levels in process, technology, equipment, and energy consumption, and won the First Prize from the China Survey and Design Association.

South africa pmc flotation plant epc project

Deep integration of scientific research and industry, rapid development of strategic emerging industries. While deploying innovation chains around the mineral resource development and utilization industry chain, Mining and Metallurgy Group actively fosters the development of new industries centered around these innovation chains. By strengthening the connection and integration of scientific research and industry, enhancing the transformation of achievements and industrial incubation, the group has strategically focused on the development of advantageous industries such as new energy materials and high-end mining and metallurgy equipment. Through its technological innovation advantages, the group continually creates new momentum for the development of strategic emerging industries, cultivating new productive forces. Currently, the group has formed a technology industry cluster, led by listed companies such as Tongsheng Technology and Beijin Mining Technology, and supported by a group of specialized and innovative "little giant" companies, such as Beijin Mining Chemical, Beijin Mining New Materials, and Beijin Mining Testing, which form the industry's development backbone.

Beijing Easpring Material Technology Co., Ltd. (Changzhou) Lithium Battery Cathode Material Intelligent Manufacturing Base

The talent team grows rapidly, gathering strength for sustainable development. By strengthening the cultivation of high-end scientific and technological leaders and young scientific talents, enriching talent training models, and streamlining training channels, the company continuously improves its talent cultivation system, accelerating the development of scientific personnel. As of the end of 2023, the proportion of scientific research personnel in the company accounted for 30% of the total staff, with over 70% holding master's degrees or higher. The company boasts over 140 key scientific talents, including influential leaders in national and industry science and technology, mid-career and young innovators, top young talents, rising stars in science and technology, and outstanding engineers. Additionally, it has a large number of technical experts and mid-career and young technological backbones. The newly approved postdoctoral research stations and the first batch of national joint training units for engineering doctoral and master's programs reflect the company's commitment to talent cultivation. The aggregation of outstanding talents has made it a leading technological innovation hub in the industry and is the group's most valuable "soft power."

Corporate governance continues to optimize, and the high-quality development model becomes more refined. Focusing on improving the core competitiveness of the enterprise, the company accelerates the construction of a modern corporate system. It continues to advance the construction of a high-level board of directors, ensuring that strategies are "defined accurately," decisions are "scientifically made," and risk management is "jointly controlled," fully leveraging its functions. The three-year reform action successfully concluded with an A-level evaluation, and the three-system reforms have been rated as first-class for two consecutive years. The new round of reform and enhancement actions is now in full swing. Guided by the goal of creating a world-class enterprise, the company has integrated the "Four Special Actions," "Double Hundred Enterprises," and "Science and Technology Reform Demonstration Enterprises" to play a leading role in demonstration. It has been selected as a model enterprise for specialized, refined, unique, and innovative businesses. The "155" financial management model has won management innovation awards, and the company has taken more concrete steps towards building a top-tier organization.

Comprehensive strength continues to grow, with significant improvements in quality and efficiency. As of the end of 2023, the total assets of the company were 41 times that of 1999, operating income was 64 times that of 1999, and the total profit was 245 times that of 1999. The group's total profit reached a historical high, with key quality and efficiency indicators such as "one profit and five rates" ranking among the top in central state-owned enterprises in the scientific research and design sector. The company has achieved both quantitative growth and qualitative improvement in its scale and strength.

03 Decades of Hard Work and Dedication: Reform Experience Guides the Future

Daring to Be "Bridge Builders," Not "Waiting for Ships": Minmetals Research Group's Transformation and Development in 25 Years. Over the past 25 years of transformation, Minmetals Research Group has leveraged institutional reforms to stimulate its internal dynamism, achieving remarkable progress and leapfrog development. The fundamental reason behind this success lies in the strong leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC) under the guidance of General Secretary Xi Jinping, the scientific direction provided by Xi Jinping's Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, and the relentless efforts of all the people at Minmetals Research Group.

Upholding party leadership: ensuring high-quality development through strong party building. The Party committee of Minmetals Research Group has consistently adhered to Xi Jinping's Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, as its guiding principle. It has implemented the overarching principle of strengthening and consolidating the Party's comprehensive leadership over state-owned enterprises. The Group has emphasized ideological and theoretical empowerment, promoted mainstream positive public opinion, strengthened corporate culture, and deepened strict governance of the Party. The company has fully leveraged the Party's core role by strengthening the Party’s grassroots organizations, fostering exemplary roles for Party members, and mobilizing the youth and other workers to make contributions. This approach has set the foundation for a new phase in Party building within the enterprise. The principle of "two consistent approaches" has been continuously adhered to, ensuring the integration of Party leadership into all aspects of corporate governance. This has guaranteed the effective implementation of national policies and major decisions. Additionally, the Group has furthered the development of its board system, introduced term limits and contractual management for the executive team, and steadily perfected the corporate governance structure of state-owned enterprises. The political guidance provided by the Party remains strong and unwavering, enabling continuous high-quality growth.

BGIMM technology group holds a conference to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the founding of the communist party of china.

Adhere to the principle of staying true to our roots while innovating, with technological innovation as the "foundation of the enterprise" to enhance core competitiveness. Firmly grasp the "service to the national innovation strategy" as the primary mission, and based on the functional positioning of a public-sector central enterprise, actively leverage the group's comprehensive advantages as a restructured research institution under a central enterprise. Focus on key areas such as the development and utilization of strategic mineral resources, taking proactive measures and playing a key role. The establishment of the Group's Science and Technology Committee has created an efficient decision-making and implementation system, gathering various parties to form a strong force driving technological innovation. By transforming the paradigm of technological innovation and innovating the technology management mechanism, we aim at future technological and industrial development frontiers, accelerating the integration of new-generation information technology, artificial intelligence, new energy, new materials, and other fields. We will fully integrate innovation resources to build key, common technology research and development platforms and sources of original technology that serve the nation and lead the industry.

2024 BGRIMM technology group innovation conference

Adhering to a people-oriented approach, fully leveraging the role of talent as the primary resource. We adhere to the principle of Party leadership over talent, vigorously implement the strategy of strengthening the enterprise through talent, and continue to build a technological innovation talent hub in the mining and metallurgy industry. The "Mining and Metallurgy Elite" program has been implemented, a special fund for talent development has been established, and the system for cultivating talent autonomously has been improved, forming a "wild goose formation" for the development of scientific and technological talent. The employee career paths and professional title review systems have been revised, and a classification evaluation system for scientific researchers based on innovation ability, quality, effectiveness, and contributions has been established. We have improved the classification assessment mechanism for technological innovation, reinforced mission and contribution incentives, and created an environment that encourages innovation and provides a "forgiveness" framework for mistakes, relieving the burdens of researchers. This continuous environment fosters a culture of talent identification, respect, and utilization.

Adhering to open cooperation, striving to build an outstanding global brand in the mining and metallurgy field. We enhance collaborative innovation, fully leveraging our unique advantage of full-chain, full-profession, and full-business technological innovation capabilities. By forming innovation consortiums and co-building innovation platforms, we elevate collaboration levels to achieve efficient cooperation among enterprises, research institutions, universities, and other innovation entities. With a global vision, we deepen international cooperation, implement the "Belt and Road" mining and metallurgy science and technology partnership program, and build new competitive advantages globally. Guided by brand-leading actions, we are expanding our international trademark layout, strengthening brand communication, and making core products, such as large flotation machines, the golden business card of the global mining and metallurgy field. International scientific cooperation and high-quality engineering projects continue to enhance the global brand image of "BGRIMM." We actively participate in forums such as the "Belt and Road" International Cooperation Summit, "Belt and Road" Science and Technology Exchange Conference, and the China International Import Expo, showcasing the sense of responsibility and mission of state-owned enterprises.

The world's largest 680 cubic meter flotation machine successfully applied at high altitudes.

04 New Era, New Journey: Reform Sails Again to Create Brilliant Achievements

Transforming research institutes is a crucial source and provider of industry-specific key technologies and an important force for enhancing central enterprises' role in the national science and technology innovation system. In the face of the increasingly urgent strategic need to ensure the security and stability of the supply chain in the national mineral resources sector, Minmetals Group is presented with new opportunities as well as unprecedented challenges in its pursuit of high-quality and sustainable development. As a science and technology-driven central state-owned enterprise, Minmetals Group will deeply learn and implement the spirit of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China and the Third Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee, diligently execute the important instructions of General Secretary Xi Jinping, adhere to the "four orientations," focus on enhancing its three core functions, comprehensively improve its scientific and technological innovation capabilities, accelerate the integration of technological and industrial innovation, and make greater contributions to building a strong technological nation and advancing Chinese-style modernization.

Be the source of technological innovation and actively serve national strategic needs. BGRIMM technology group emphasizes its public service role as a central enterprise, plays a leading role in technological innovation, continuously strengthens its position as a technology innovation leader, and effectively supports national strategic needs through technological innovation. It plays an essential role in the construction of a modern industrial system, the creation of a new development pattern, and ensuring security in industries and supply chains. Enhance the core of technological innovation by continuously improving independent innovation capabilities. The company will continue to focus on the construction of shared platforms, improve collaborative innovation mechanisms, and establish key common technology research, transformation, and service platforms to serve national strategic needs and lead the technological progress of the industry. The group will work on building an innovation system that integrates enterprises as the main body, guided by market demands, and promoting deep collaboration among industry, academia, and research. Strengthen international technological cooperation to build new competitive advantages. BGRIMM technology group will deepen its international cooperation in technology innovation platforms and build new competitive advantages globally. Solidify the foundation of technological innovation to actively lead industry technological progress. The company will accelerate the transformation of scientific and technological achievements, promote the upgrading and transformation of traditional industries, and use original and disruptive technologies to enhance and strengthen the foundation of traditional industries. BGRIMM technology group will closely align with industry demands, break through critical technologies in key core areas, and create landmark products, emphasizing the demonstration and application of these results. Guide the direction of technological innovation to shape new momentum for high-quality development. BGRIMM technology group will focus on the cultivation of strategic emerging industries, accelerate the development of new production forces, strengthen strategic planning, and continue to increase efforts to grow and expand strategic emerging industries. The company will deploy innovation along the industrial chain and develop new industries based on the innovation chain. By focusing on key areas, the group will continue to enhance the resilience and balance of its technological and industrial development.

National mineral resources comprehensive utilization technology innovation base

Reform without interruption, and continuous striving. In the new era and new journey, Minmetals Group will always uphold the great banner of Xi Jinping's Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. We will adhere to the Party's overall leadership, maintain our public welfare attributes, focus on common platforms, promote results transformation, and nurture industries. We will actively integrate into the new type of national system, systematically plan and coordinate the Group's scientific and technological innovation work from the perspective of the development of the Party and the country’s cause. We will accurately grasp the opportunities and challenges brought about by the new round of technological revolution and industrial transformation, deeply implement the innovation-driven development strategy, and effectively leverage market mechanisms and forces. We will transform technological innovation into a "key variable" that enhances the core functions of the enterprise and a "powerful tool" for improving core competitiveness. We will lead by example in advancing high-level scientific and technological independence and self-reliance, building a modern industrial system, and developing new productive forces. Minmetals Group will fulfill the responsibilities of a science and technology-driven central enterprise!

Source: China Nonferrous Metals News WeChat Official Account

Article Link: https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/m1tC1hx8a4sQMzqJLFS9AQ

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202412 BGRIMM The Original Aspiration of Serving the Country through Technology Remains Unchanged; Innovation Drives Development to Change the Future