Zijin Mining(SH:601899) Zheng Quan Shi Bao Wang·2025-03-25 12:35Core Viewpoint - Zijin Mining's ESG rating remains stagnant at B level from 2022 to 2024, significantly lower than its peers in the industrial metals sector, raising concerns among investors about its governance and environmental practices [3][4][7]. Financial Performance - In 2024, Zijin Mining's revenue exceeded 300 billion yuan, marking a 3.49% year-on-year increase, while net profit reached over 30 billion yuan, up 51.76% year-on-year [4]. - The company's revenue growth rate in 2024 is the lowest since 2014 [4]. Environmental Concerns - The amount of hazardous waste generated per unit of revenue increased by over 70% in 2024, reaching 0.94 tons per million yuan of revenue [8]. - Energy consumption intensity reached 4.59 MWh per ten thousand yuan of industrial added value, the highest in five years, with a year-on-year increase of 3.27% [7][9]. - Total water consumption rose to 72.52 million tons, a 9.66% increase year-on-year, while fresh water usage intensity increased to 238.84 tons per million yuan of revenue, up 5.97% [7][9]. Social Responsibility Issues - Employee turnover rate increased to 8.49% in 2024, with significant losses among Chinese employees [10]. - The company reported 104 employees disciplined for corruption-related issues, reflecting a rise in internal governance problems [13]. Governance and Ethical Practices - The coverage rate of business ethics training for employees dropped to the lowest level in three years, at 75.25% [14]. - The total number of complaints and reports reached 236 in 2024, doubling from 104 in 2020, indicating a significant rise in reported misconduct [13][14]. Shareholder Returns - In 2024, Zijin Mining executed only one share buyback worth less than 3 million yuan, significantly lower than competitors [16]. - The cumulative dividend payout ratio since listing is 38.14%, which is lower than several peers in the industry [16][17].