Zhong Guo Jing Ying Bao·2025-11-07 20:38Core Viewpoint - The mining industry, particularly gold, is experiencing significant growth, with Zijin Mining achieving substantial revenue and profit increases due to rising international gold prices and strategic acquisitions [2][3][4]. Financial Performance - In the first three quarters of 2025, Zijin Mining reported operating revenue of 254.2 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 10.33%, and a net profit of 45.701 billion yuan, up 53.99% year-on-year [2][3]. - The company's gold production reached 65 tons, a 20% increase compared to the previous year, with third-quarter production of 24 tons, reflecting a 7% quarter-on-quarter growth [3][4]. Market Trends - The global gold market has shown an upward trend, with London spot gold prices rising from $3,000 per ounce at the beginning of the year to a peak of $4,381, maintaining a year-to-date increase of over 33% [3][4]. - Central banks worldwide are increasing their gold reserves, with China's gold reserves needing to increase by at least 5,500 tons to reach the global average of approximately 30% of foreign reserves [4]. Strategic Acquisitions - Zijin Mining's acquisition of the Raygorodok gold mine in Kazakhstan for $1.2 billion is expected to enhance its gold production capacity significantly, with an average annual output of approximately 5.5 tons [4]. - Zijin Gold International, a subsidiary focused on overseas gold assets, was listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, aiming to optimize its portfolio of high-potential gold mines [3][4]. Copper Production Challenges - Copper production growth has slowed due to a flooding incident at the Kamoa-Kakula copper mine, which is expected to impact Zijin Mining's overall copper output [5][6]. - The company's copper production for the first three quarters of 2025 was 830,000 tons, a 5% increase year-on-year, but the third-quarter output saw a 6% decline quarter-on-quarter [5][6]. Cost Pressures - The unit sales costs for major products, including gold and copper, have risen, with gold ingot costs increasing by 15.2% and copper concentrate costs by 14.37% compared to the previous year [8][9]. - The increase in costs is attributed to declining ore grades, increased transportation distances, and higher stripping ratios in open-pit mines, alongside transitional costs from newly acquired companies [9].