Recently The news jumped that Europe did not want to buy Chinese solar panels if they had been developing through forced labor. The problem is not only manufacturing, but the Asian giant controls the entire supply chain from its extraction to its refinement, taking almost two decades of advantages. And now it goes one step further: now you want to ensure future gold production.
A new opening. Zijin Mining Group, one of the world’s largest gold and copper miners, has begun to open its funds to professional investors in Hong Kong. According to Financial Timeshas launched the first background of streaming China Minero, a financial modality that consists in finance mines in exchange for rights over its future production. With this model, traditionally dominated by Canadian companies such as Wheaton Priceus Metals, Zijin intends to ensure ingots without directing each mine.
But the play does not end there. As He has reported South China Morning Post (SCMP), Its asset management subsidiary, Gold Mountain Asset Management, has gone from operating exclusively with internal resources of the group to capture external capital, offering exposure to strategic metals such as gold and copper.
A strategic movement. The decision is not fortuitous. On the one hand, the offer is increasingly limited. Both Lisa Liu, director of Gold Mountain, and Bank of America analysts cited by Financial Times They have agreed that the gold mines in the world are depleting their high quality reserves, while investment in new explorations has been insufficient during the last decade.
On the other hand, the demand for gold does not stop growing. In times of geopolitical uncertainty and commercial tensions, central investors and banks take refuge in tangible assets. This has driven gold to mark historical maximums. According to SCMPsome experts have estimated that the price could reach $ 4,000 per ounce this year.
The center of the world. The digital transformation of the Asian country is not accidental. In an increasingly bound world towards data centers, electrical networks and artificial intelligence infrastructure, China wants to be where you should be. Has already shown it by configuring as The first “electrostate”and now seeks to ensure access to basic materials that feed that infrastructure: gold, copper and also lithium.
Gold always shines. As They have detailed In SCMP, Zijin’s funds have reported a performance of 18% only in the first four months of 2025, and Copper investments They are also outlined as strategic to the growing demand promoted by artificial intelligence. Zijin even plans to reorganize his international assets under a new entity, Zijin Gold Internationaloverlooking a future stock market.
In addition, Gold Mountain directly finances mining projects through private credit, accepting in return the gold produced, a way of ensuring supply without the need to operate the deposits. Has also signed agreements of streaming With mines in Ivory Coast, Gansu (China) and hopes to close new operations in Africa and South America, According to Financial Times.
A broader ambition. Beyond the numbers, what Zijin is building has a geopolitical dimension. In an increasingly fragmented world, where critical resources define technological and energy sovereignty, controlling the flow of gold, copper and lithium is both an economic and strategic play.
While the West continues to discuss decarbonization or industrial relocation, China is buying the subsoil. Gold by gold. Mine per mine. Contract contract. The future of energy, technology and security may not be alone in algorithms, but in the metals that make them possible. And China is making sure they go through their hands first.
Image | Pexels and Pixabay
GIPHY App Key not set. Please check settings