Eleven departments including the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology: Vigorously promoting the integrated application of artificial intelligence technology and the copper industry

The Zhitong Finance App learned that on February 11, 11 departments including the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology issued the “Implementation Plan for the High-Quality Development of the Copper Industry (2025-2027)”. The plan mentions promoting digital transformation and intelligent upgrading. Implement the “Work Plan for the Digital Transformation of the Raw Materials Industry (2024-2026)”, “Guidelines for the Construction of Smart Factories (Mines) in the Nonferrous Metals Industry”, and “Guiding Opinions on Further Promoting Intelligent Mine Construction to Promote Mine Safety Development”, and further promote the in-depth application of digital and intelligent technology throughout the entire industry chain.

Promote the transformation and upgrading of basic networks, basic automation, and management informatization in copper mining, smelting and processing enterprises, and accelerate the digitalization, networking and intelligence of enterprises. Support leading enterprises in the industry to build a number of intelligent mines, factories and typical application scenarios, give full play to the driving role of advanced models, and accelerate the promotion and application of new technologies, new equipment, and new models. It vigorously promotes the integrated application of artificial intelligence (AI) technology and the copper industry for scenarios such as troubleshooting of key equipment, production process control, and intelligent management of safety and environmental protection.

The original text is as follows:

Implementation Plan for the High-Quality Development of the Copper Industry (2025-2027)

Copper is an important basic raw material and a strategic resource relating to the national economy, people's livelihood, and the development of the national economy. In recent years, the scale of China's copper industry has continued to grow, the industrial structure continues to be optimized, and the level of equipment technology has been continuously improved. It has initially formed a number of internationally competitive industrial clusters, which have strongly supported the development of strategic emerging industries such as new energy and next-generation information technology. However, at the same time, problems such as insufficient resource guarantee capacity and the need to optimize the industrial structure have come to the fore. In order to promote the high-quality development of the copper industry, better support the development of key industrial chains in the manufacturing industry and meet people's needs for a better life, this implementation plan was formulated. The implementation period is 2025 to 2027.

I. General Requirements

Guided by Xi Jinping's ideology of socialism with Chinese characteristics in the new era, fully implement the spirit of the 20th National Congress and the Second and Third Plenums of the 20th CPC Central Committee, implement the deployment of the National New Industrialization Promotion Conference, build a complete, accurate and comprehensive implementation of the new development concept based on the new stage of development, accelerate the construction of a new development pattern, coordinate high-quality development and a high level of safety, adhere to the overall planning of the whole industry chain, take innovation as the fundamental driving force, enhance copper raw material security capabilities, standardize the industrial development order, give full play to leading enterprises, strengthen upstream and downstream collaboration, promote high-end, green and intelligent transformation, and accelerate formation New quality productivity promotes high-quality development of the copper industry.

By 2027, the level of resilience and safety of the industrial chain supply chain will improve markedly. The ability to guarantee copper raw materials is constantly being strengthened, and efforts are being made to increase the amount of domestic copper resources by 5% to 10%, and to further improve the level of recycling of recycled copper. The level of technological innovation continues to improve, breaking through a number of green and efficient development and utilization of key processes and high-end new materials for copper resources, and the manufacturing capacity of high-end equipment has been significantly enhanced. Cultivate a number of high-quality enterprises in the copper industry, and further optimize the industrial structure. Looking forward to 2035, the industrial chain level will be world-leading, and a high-quality development situation will be fully formed. The ability to guarantee copper raw materials has been significantly enhanced, and technological equipment innovation capabilities and material application levels are at the top of the world, forming a development pattern with reasonable industrial structure, high level of technological innovation, good quality and efficiency, and strong global competitiveness.

II. Key tasks

(1) Strengthening the domestic raw material guarantee base

1. Promote increased domestic resource storage and production. Firmly push forward a new round of prospecting breakthrough strategic actions, strengthen the investigation and exploration of copper resources in key domestic mining zones, and add a batch of copper ore resource reserves that can be developed. Actively carry out prospecting at the deep edge of existing mines, extend the service life of mines, carry out surveys on mine pollution conditions, and collaborate to carry out mine pollution control and ecological restoration. Promote the construction of copper resource bases in key regions such as Tibet, Xinjiang, Yunnan, and Heilongjiang, build a number of large and medium-sized copper mines, and continuously raise the level of copper development, utilization, and safe production. On the premise of protecting the ecological environment and ensuring safe production, speed up approval processes such as copper mine development projects, EIA, and safety facility design review, and accelerate the expansion of production projects and the construction of new projects. (The Ministry of Natural Resources, the National Development and Reform Commission, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, the Ministry of Ecology and Environment, the Ministry of Emergency Management, and the State Mine Safety Administration are responsible according to the division of responsibilities)

2. Encourage comprehensive utilization of mineral resources. Increase the evaluation of associated resources such as rhenium in copper ores, strengthen the comprehensive utilization of associated resources such as molybdenum, gold, and silver, improve resource extraction and recovery rate, and comprehensive utilization rate, and achieve efficient development and utilization of all elements associated with copper ore. Encourage copper mining enterprises to mine both rich and poor, and strengthen the reduction, recycling, and harmless disposal of copper tailings and smelting slag. Promote large-scale beneficiation equipment, green beneficiation agents, and comprehensive utilization technology for low-grade copper ore and tailings. (The National Development and Reform Commission, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, and the Ministry of Natural Resources are responsible according to the division of responsibilities)

3. Strengthen recycling of renewable resources. Strengthen copper scrap processing and distribution capabilities, and improve the level of fine treatment and direct utilization. Support the establishment of large-scale copper scrap recycling bases and industrial agglomeration areas, promote the integrated development of copper scrap recycling, dismantling, processing, classification and distribution, and promote the intensive and high-value development of the recycled copper industry. Encourage copper smelting enterprises to establish recycling networks for copper scrap resources and use existing copper smelting systems to treat copper-containing renewable resources. Cultivate a group of copper scrap processing and utilization enterprises that meet regulatory requirements and are highly competitive, and copper smelting enterprises that use copper-containing renewable resources. (The National Development and Reform Commission, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, and the Ministry of Commerce are responsible according to the division of responsibilities)

(2) Promoting structural adjustment

4. Promote the orderly development of copper smelting. Promote the transformation of copper smelting development from scale expansion of production capacity to improvement of quality and efficiency, strictly implement relevant policy requirements such as industry, environmental protection, energy efficiency, safety, etc., and implement new and expanded copper smelting projects according to the benchmark level of the “Energy Efficiency Benchmark Level and Benchmark Level for Key Industrial Areas (2023 Edition)”, encourage new and expanded copper smelting projects to build at a high level compared to the standard conditions of the copper smelting industry, and promote energy efficiency levels. Implement requirements such as total pollutant control, regional reduction, and carbon emission reduction. In principle, a new copper smelting project must be equipped with a corresponding proportion of equity copper concentrate production capacity. Resolutely eliminate outdated processes. (The National Development and Reform Commission, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, the Ministry of Ecology and Environment, the Ministry of Emergency Management, and the State Council's State-owned Assets Administration Commission are responsible according to the division of responsibilities)

5. Optimize the industrial layout. Implement major national regional strategies, coordinated regional development strategies, and main functional area strategies, take into account production factors such as resources, energy, environment, and transportation in an integrated manner, guide the orderly transfer of production capacity to regions with resource and energy advantages and environmental carrying capacity, promote the withdrawal of inefficient production capacity, and stop adding additional copper smelting production capacity in key areas for air pollution prevention and control. Encourage the combined development of copper smelting with industries such as chemicals and building materials, and achieve local transformation of by-products such as sulfur. Support the cultivation of advanced manufacturing clusters in the copper deep processing industry. (The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, the National Development and Reform Commission, and the Ministry of Ecology and Environment are responsible according to the division of responsibilities)

column 1

The key direction of cluster construction is based on the transformation and upgrading of industrial agglomeration areas such as new copper-based materials in Yingtan, Jiangxi, advanced structural materials in Tongling, Anhui (new copper-based materials), Fujian Shanghang, copper-nickel-cobalt new materials, new materials for electronic circuits in Jinchang, Hubei, China, Ningbo-Shaoxing high-end new materials, and new copper-based materials in Liaocheng-Dongying, Shandong, etc., to promote high-end and clustered development of the industry.

6. Cultivate high-quality enterprises. Cultivate the world's leading large copper enterprise groups and increase the concentration of copper mining and smelting processes. Support leading enterprises to play a leading role in industrial cluster construction, transformation and upgrading, etc., and optimize the industrial ecosystem. Focusing on the needs of key fields such as new energy and electronic information, the focus is on cultivating “specialized, special and new” and “individual champions” enterprises in the copper industry to build a number of high-tech enterprises with international competitiveness. (The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, the National Development and Reform Commission, and the State Council's State-owned Assets Administration Commission are responsible according to the division of responsibilities)

(3) Enhancing industrial innovation capabilities

7. Improve the innovation system. Support enterprises to jointly carry out basic theoretical research, original technology research and development, and commercial application research with research institutes, institutions of higher learning, etc., and study the establishment of manufacturing innovation centers in the copper field. Support the development of enterprise technology centers, key laboratories, etc. Encourage copper industry clusters to adopt various forms to build pilot platforms for new copper-based materials, and promote the industrialization of research and development results of new materials and processes in a safe and orderly manner. Support the construction of innovative platforms related to copper resource development, production and application, testing and evaluation. Pay attention to the training and introduction of scientific and technological talents, and cultivate a group of industrial workers, technical backbone, and innovation teams. (The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, the National Development and Reform Commission, the Ministry of Education, and the Ministry of Science and Technology are responsible according to the division of responsibilities)

8. Accelerate key technical research. It supports mining technology research such as safe and efficient mining of complex deposits and ultra-deep well mines, large-scale green and low-carbon intelligent harvesting in ultra-high altitudes and extremely cold regions, and efficient mineral processing of low-grade difficult minerals. Guide copper manufacturers to work with research institutes and downstream application companies to develop preparation technology and industrialization of high-performance copper alloy materials such as high-purity oxygen-free copper, high-end rolled copper foil, and high-end lead frame materials. Accelerate the development of key equipment such as next-generation continuous casting and continuous rolling precision copper tube production lines, U-shaped continuous extrusion online flattening equipment for copper sheet blanks, rolling copper foil mills, roller-bottom continuous annealing furnaces, automatic strip cleaning lines, and air cushion annealing furnaces. (The National Development and Reform Commission, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, and the State Mine Safety Administration are responsible according to the division of responsibilities)

(4) Promoting green and intelligent industrial development

9. Support green transformation and upgrading. Strengthen in-depth air pollution control in the copper smelting industry, accelerate the conversion of industrial furnaces using highly polluting fuels to electricity, natural gas, etc., build a number of benchmark enterprises that have reached the A level of environmental performance, encourage C-level enterprises with environmental performance to strengthen management and raise their performance levels. By the end of 2025, all copper smelting production capacity in key air pollution prevention and control regions will complete environmental performance grade A transformation. Strengthen the control of heavy metal pollution in the copper smelting field, treat solid waste such as arsenic-containing smelting slag and soot harmlessly, and promote the recycling of water resources and waste heat recovery at medium and low temperatures. Guide enterprises and parks to improve the top 5 environmental performance management, and build a number of green mines, green factories and green parks. Build a green and low-carbon public service platform for the non-ferrous metals industry and accelerate the promotion of a number of energy-saving and low-carbon technologies. (The National Development and Reform Commission, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, the Ministry of Natural Resources, the Ministry of Ecology and Environment, and the State Council's State-owned Assets Administration Commission are responsible according to the division of responsibilities)

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The key direction of green technology focuses on promoting technologies and equipment such as green cycle biological copper extraction technology for low-grade copper ore, complete green and efficient short-process large-scale flotation equipment technology, continuous copper smelting technology, double furnace continuous copper smelting technology, anode furnace pure oxygen combustion technology, and low-carbon treatment technology for waste copper.

10. Promote digital transformation and intelligent upgrading. Implement the “Work Plan for the Digital Transformation of the Raw Materials Industry (2024-2026)”, “Guidelines for the Construction of Smart Factories (Mines) in the Nonferrous Metals Industry”, and “Guiding Opinions on Further Promoting Intelligent Mine Construction to Promote Mine Safety Development”, and further promote the in-depth application of digital and intelligent technology throughout the entire industry chain. Promote the transformation and upgrading of basic networks, basic automation, and management informatization in copper mining, smelting and processing enterprises, and accelerate the digitalization, networking and intelligence of enterprises. Support leading enterprises in the industry to build a number of intelligent mines, factories and typical application scenarios, give full play to the driving role of advanced models, and accelerate the promotion and application of new technologies, new equipment, and new models. It vigorously promotes the integrated application of artificial intelligence (AI) technology and the copper industry for scenarios such as troubleshooting of key equipment, production process control, and intelligent management of safety and environmental protection. (Led by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology and the National Development and Reform Commission, with the participation of the Ministry of Natural Resources, the State Council's State-owned Assets Administration Commission, and the State Mine Safety Supervision Administration)

Column 3

The key direction of digital intelligent transformation and upgrading is for copper mining enterprises, improving infrastructure network construction, building digital resource management systems and comprehensive production control platforms, digitally transforming mining trucks, drilling rigs, rock drilling rigs, scrapers, flotation machines and other infrastructure, and realizing the intelligent operation of mineral processing production systems. For copper smelters, accelerate the implementation of automated transformation of key processes such as batching, smelting, refining, and electrolysis, realize real-time data monitoring, sensing and unified collection and management, and improve intelligent management functions such as automatic control, production management, equipment management, and environmental safety management. For copper processing plants, accelerate the automated transformation of key processes such as melting, casting, rolling, extrusion, annealing, and refining, realize real-time production monitoring, sensing and data collection, and build a centralized control center integrating automation, informatization, and centralized management models to achieve centralized control of production and operation, centralized production line control, and public assistance.

(5) Raising the level of open cooperation

11. Strengthen international investment cooperation. Give full play to the advantages of copper smelting technology, technology, equipment, standards, services, etc., strengthen international mutually beneficial cooperation in accordance with the principle of marketization, integrate into the global copper industry chain supply chain, and improve the ability and level of multinational management. Guide enterprises to fulfill their social responsibilities, encourage enterprises to carry out public welfare activities, support community development, and build good community relationships in investment countries. Make full use of international innovation resources, encourage high-end foreign processing enterprises to invest and build factories in China, support domestic enterprises to participate in international scientific and technological cooperation such as intelligent manufacturing and new materials, and strengthen exchanges and cooperation in R&D, standards, and talent training. (The National Development and Reform Commission, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Commerce, the Ministry of Science and Technology, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, and the Ministry of Natural Resources are responsible according to the division of responsibilities)

12. Raise the level of foreign trade cooperation. Encourage the export of advanced processed products such as new high-end copper-based materials and products. Encourage copper smelting enterprises to sign long-term procurement agreements with foreign mining companies to increase imports of primary products such as crude copper and anodized copper. Implement the import policy for recycled copper raw materials and encourage the import of high-quality recycled copper raw materials that meet the requirements of national policies. Give full play to the price discovery role of futures to provide a guarantee for enterprise risk management. (Led by the Ministry of Commerce, the National Development and Reform Commission, the Ministry of Ecology and Environment, and the China Securities Regulatory Commission, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, and the General Administration of Customs participate)

III. Safeguard Measures

13. Strengthen organizational leadership. Relevant departments and units shall strengthen coordination between fiscal, financial, investment, import and export policies with industrial policies in accordance with the various tasks set out in this plan, so as to further unleash the effects of the policies. Key provinces (regions) should take into account local realities, include the main goals and key tasks determined in this plan in the relevant industrial plans and major project lists in the region, and clarify responsible subjects and schedule requirements. Coordinate resource development, factor guarantee and policy support within the region, incorporate tasks such as approval of resource development projects, commissioning and price stability in the region's annual key tasks, implement account management, regularly check implementation results, and solidly promote the implementation results of various policies and measures. (Each department is responsible according to the division of responsibilities)

14. Strengthen policy support. Coordinate existing funding channels such as major national science and technology projects to promote the improvement of key technical research capabilities in the copper industry chain. Deepen industrial and financial cooperation, give full play to the role of a national industrial and financial cooperation platform, and guide financial institutions to accurately and effectively support the construction and upgrading of major copper industry projects that meet the requirements of industry standards, self-regulatory conventions, etc. Eligible enterprises are encouraged to carry out copper concentrate processing trade. Implement tax policies such as comprehensive utilization of resources. Strengthen the assessment and guidance of relevant state-owned enterprises, and further encourage resource development, technological innovation, and transformation of achievements. Optimize the copper concentrate inspection and supervision model to improve the efficiency of import customs clearance of copper resource products. (Each department is responsible according to the division of responsibilities)

15. Create a good environment. Encourage relevant industry organizations to play a role as a bridge and link, actively serve enterprise development, and carry out activities such as quality improvement, brand building, and promotion of new technologies and products. Closely track changes in product prices, social inventory, capacity utilization, market supply and demand, etc., publish industry sentiment indices and operating reports, and guide enterprises to invest rationally and make scientific decisions. Improve the construction of a standard system for the copper industry and accelerate the transformation of scientific and technological achievements into standards. Improve the regulatory conditions for the copper smelting industry, build a number of industry benchmark enterprises, and guide the green and intelligent development of the industry. Research and formulate industry integrity white lists, copper industry self-regulation conventions, etc., to strengthen industry self-discipline and guide enterprises to standardize operations. (Each department is responsible according to the division of responsibilities)

This article was selected from the “Ministry of Industry and Information Technology” official website, Zhitong Finance Editor: Chen Xiaoyi.