Chinese mining giant Zijin Mining has announced plans for new investments in Serbia, pledging to employ advanced technologies and uphold high environmental standards. The news came following a meeting on July 15 between Zijin representatives and Serbian Prime Minister Đuro Macut in Belgrade, as reported by the Serbian News Agency.
According to the government, Zijin reiterated its commitment to “green development,” the company’s guiding principle, and discussed future expansion in Serbia’s mining sector. Prime Minister Macut urged the company to enhance environmental protection efforts, particularly in the Bor region and across eastern Serbia.
Zijin’s activities in the region have sparked controversy due to allegations of environmental degradation and pollution. While environmental groups have raised concerns about the company’s impact on local ecosystems, Zijin maintains it operates within environmental standards.
Zijin entered Serbia in December 2018 through a strategic partnership with the government, acquiring a majority stake in the Bor Mining and Smelting Basin—now known as Serbia Zijin Copper. The company has since invested heavily in Serbian mining, notably launching the Čukaru Peki copper-gold mine in October 2021, following acquisitions from U.S.-based Freeport McMoRan and Canadian firm Nevsun Resources.
With full ownership of the upper and majority control of the lower Čukaru Peki deposit, Zijin has significantly expanded its global resources, reporting total copper reserves of 57.24 million tons and gold reserves of 1,889 tons.
