The 2025 China Mining Conference and Exhibition in Tianjin this week has reinforced China's position as a key hub for global mining collaboration, with delegates from across Africa and beyond emphasizing a partnership model that goes beyond financial investment.

At the conference, representatives from nearly 500 domestic and international enterprises across 42 countries discussed high-quality cooperation projects and cutting-edge mining technologies, exploring new opportunities for international collaboration.

Che Changbo, secretary-general of the China Mining Association, said cooperation between China and countries such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo reflects broader shifts in the global mining landscape.

"Currently, the global mining landscape and supply-demand dynamics are undergoing profound restructuring," Che said. "Against the backdrop of the implementation of China's Belt and Road Initiative, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, with its rich resource endowment and ambitious development plans, has achieved deep integration and joint development with outgoing Chinese mining companies."

Henrietta B. Rushwaya, a delegate from the Zimbabwe Miners Federation, said Zimbabwe sees major potential in working with Chinese partners.

"Zimbabwe has 65 minerals that need to be exploited, and we can only exploit those minerals through exploration," she said. "Therefore, we are looking at Chinese companies that have modern equipment that can be used to explore these new minerals."

Chen Yijun and Wu Meng contributed to this story.