“Mining means life!“

Only what has grown from the earth is not obtained through mining. Everything else we use in life comes from mining! That is why I have deep respect for the challenging and high-risk work of miners and greatly value their efforts and dedication. I want to thank everyone and express my admiration for their commitment and perseverance in performing one of the most demanding jobs, Qiu Guozhu, General Manager of Serbia Zijin Copper, wrote in his congratulatory message.

„On the occasion of the magnificent holiday, the Miner’s Day of Serbia, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the employees of Serbia Zijin Cooper, Serbia Zijin Mining, the citizens of Bor and Majdanpek, as well as to everyone in Serbia employed in the mining industry.

Mining means life! Only what has grown from the earth is not obtained through mining. Everything else we use in life comes from mining! This is why I have deep respect for the challenging and high-risk work of miners and greatly value their efforts and dedication. I want to thank everyone and express my admiration for their commitment and perseverance in performing one of the most demanding jobs. The company, as well as the entire Serbian economy, is progressing precisely thanks to the miners, metallurgists, flotation experts and other professionals. That is why I am proud of all our employees. I also want to extend special thanks to the families of all the miners, and also to their ancestors who engaged in the hardest job in the world. They are the true wealth of this company, which has a mining history spanning over 120 years.

The future of mining lies in investments, enhanced social security, and improved working conditions. Therefore, it is our duty as management to ensure workplace safety, provide the best possible conditions, and offer appropriate remuneration for the work our employees do. On the other hand, we are also committed to applying world standards and modern technologies in our operations to ensure healthy environment for the community and to develop mining for the benefit of the whole society.

We must focus on planning for the future, rather than just looking to the past

Previously, Bor resembled a massive waste dump due to the environmental protection issues being neglected for decades by the former RTB Bor. Over the past five and a half years, Serbia Zijin Copper has invested $336 million to improve the ecological situation in Bor and Majdanpek. The investments have been focused on implementing a range of environmental protection measures in the field of mining, including controlling exhaust gas emissions, treating wastewater, and managing solid waste. We have greened over 430 hectares of degraded land and planted nearly 900 thousand seedlings. We invested $360 million in the smelter, upgrading everything from converters and systems for treating waste gas, water, and acid to modern, automated machinery. We have also placed significant emphasis on employee training and improving working conditions. Following these investments, including the installation of filters, hoods, and construction of desulfurization plant, sulfur dioxide levels are now ten times below the permitted limit. In the past year, and so far this year, there have been no exceedances, thanks to our $220 million investment in gas treatment systems.

In the past, wastewater was discharged directly into the river without any treatment. Nowadays, however, the water used in mining is returned to the production cycle. Residents of the villages of Slatina and Rgotina have noticed clear water in the Bor River and say they cannot remember the last time this river, which they had called “dead” for decades, was this clean.

The most noticeable change brought about by Zijin in these regions is of an economic nature. For a city, its most important asset is its people, and Zijin’s subsidiaries operating in Bor and Majdanpek have contributed to the return of people from abroad to these towns. We have created 3,100 new jobs, there is a rise in births, more smiles are seen on faces, and the local communities are experiencing greater happiness.

Over the past five years, we have accomplished a lot, but we have also inherited many issues from the past. There are certainly still unresolved things, as it is impossible to tackle all the environmental problems that have burdened Bor for over fifty years within just five years. Environmental progress requires patience. Both non-governmental organizations and the local community are closely observing our work, and there is always room for progress. We are eager to engage in discussion with everyone, but with a focus on the future. We need to concentrate on future planning rather than dwell on the past! By investing in ecology, environmental protection, scientific and technological innovation, as well as in social accountability, Serbia Zijin Copper and Serbia Zijin Mining are committed to developing modern, green, and sustainable mining enterprises with top-class economic and social benefits.

All our successes and achievements would not have been possible without the substantial support of the Government of the Republic of Serbia. I believe that, with its ongoing assistance and the support of all layers of society, including employees and citizens, we will be able to achieve our goals. Ultimately, these efforts are aimed at positioning Serbia as one of the most significant producers of copper and gold in Europe.

I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to all employees on the Serbian Miners` Day, with the desire to keep developing the mining industry each day for the benefit of society and achieve results that will make Serbia Zijin Copper and Serbia Zijin Mining proud.

I wish you all good health and great success in your work, along with the traditional mining greeting: “Good luck!“