A research project titled "Development and Application of Resource Recovery Technology for Nickel-Copper Ore Processing Wastewater" from Jinchuan Group Nickel and Cobalt Co's mineral processing plant has been awarded third prize in the technology invention category at the 2025 China Association of Circular Economy (CACE) Science and Technology Awards, marking the plant's first major circular economy accolade.
Facing significant water scarcity in Jinchang, Gansu province, the mineral processing plant struggled to reuse its complex wastewater. The project team independently developed a systematic and intelligent resource recovery technology through a "graded treatment and smart management" approach, establishing an integrated system for the production, transport, supply, and distribution of recycled tailings wastewater.
Since its implementation, the project has enabled the recovery of approximately 4 million metric tons of water for reuse each year. While the plant's ore processing capacity has surpassed 10 million tons, its consumption of fresh water has decreased by 10 percent annually. The volume of fresh water conserved each year is sufficient to meet the annual domestic water needs of approximately 10,000 people or to irrigate around 3 million square meters of urban green space, significantly alleviating regional water stress. The project has transformed about 4.3 million tons of tailings pond wastewater from a burden into a valuable resource, reducing emissions and evaporation at the source and delivering substantial ecological benefits.
Recognized for achieving internationally leading standards, this project provides a replicable, scalable, systematic solution for wastewater resource recovery, showcasing "Jinchuan wisdom" and a "Chinese solution" for the industry.
