Zijin Mining founder: Reverse flow is the "shortcut" to success in life
Zijin Mining founder Chen Jinghe announced his retirement on January 1, 2026, ending a 44-year career in the mining industry. He reflected on the company's development history and emphasized that passing the baton during a performance upswing is a responsible act for the enterprise. The new management team possesses an international perspective and professional capabilities, which can lead the company to new heights. Chen Jinghe summarized his life choices as "reverse flow," believing this is the "shortcut" to success, and stated that he cares more about contributions to society than personal interests
On January 1, 2026, Zijin Mining founder and lifelong honorary chairman Chen Jinghe published a confession titled "Gratitude, Thanks, and Insights," officially announcing his retirement and ending his 44-year mining career. Chen reviewed the development process from the initial exploration at Zijin Mountain to the establishment and growth of Zijin Mining. He stated that proactively passing the baton during a phase of company performance and industry cycle upswing is a responsible act for the long-term development of the enterprise. The new board of directors and management team are composed of core internal members with an international perspective and professional capabilities, fully capable of leading Zijin to new heights.
In the insights section, Chen summarized his life choices as "reverse flow," calling it a "shortcut" to success. He recalled:
"I chose the difficult and unpopular geology major for my college entrance examination, and after starting work, I was transferred to the provincial geological science institute for research. I voluntarily returned to the challenging Zijin Mountain, bringing my wife and children to settle in the mine; after discovering the large copper (gold) mine at Zijin Mountain and becoming a model in the industry, I was again transferred to the local area to engage in mine development; during the wave of 'investment attraction,' I rejected the temptation of high salaries from foreign capital, winning the defense battle for the Zijin Mountain gold-copper mine and avoiding the risk of Zijin Mining's 'premature demise.' Perhaps if I had gone with the flow, I would have held a high 'official' position and earned much more 'money,' but I am very satisfied and proud of today's outcome because what I care about is the contribution to social value, not how high my personal position is or how much money I have."
