Innovative Forum on Comprehensive Utilization of Mining and Metallurgical Solid Waste

Innovative Forum on Comprehensive Utilization of Mining and Metallurgical Solid Waste Held in Beijing

On November 29, the Innovative Forum on Comprehensive Utilization of Mining and Metallurgical Solid Waste was held in Beijing. The event was hosted by the China International Association for the Promotion of Science and Technology (CIAPST) and co-organized by China Railway 19th Bureau Group, China Railway Construction Kunlun Investment Group, and CIAPST’s Smart Construction Division.

Main Session

With the theme of "Innovative Leadership in Mining and Metallurgical Solid Waste Prevention and Reuse to Drive Sustainable Development," the forum aimed to promote high-quality development in the comprehensive utilization of mining resources. It sought to demonstrate and popularize new processes and technologies for utilizing mining and metallurgical solid waste, accelerate the large-scale and high-value utilization of both metallic and non-metallic solid waste, realize a green, low-carbon, and circular mining industry, and contribute to achieving China’s "dual carbon" goals. The forum also encouraged cooperation and exchanges in the comprehensive utilization of solid waste.

Duan Miyi, President of CIAPST, delivered the opening speech, while Li Huawei, Deputy Party Secretary and Vice Chairman of China Railway 19th Bureau Group, and Jia Hong, Chairman of China Railway Construction Kunlun Investment Group, gave welcome addresses. The forum was chaired by Zhang Zhijun, Deputy Secretary-General of CIAPST.

During the event, Dr. Lu Pu, Deputy Director of the Environmental Technology Office of the Basel Convention Regional Centre for Asia and the Pacific at Tsinghua University, provided a policy interpretation. Keynote speeches were delivered by leading experts, including Shen Zhengchang, Academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering and Chief Expert of the Mining and Metallurgical Technology Group; Xu Zhenghe, Dean of the School of Engineering at Southern University of Science and Technology and a fellow of multiple academies; and professors from notable institutions such as China University of Mining and Technology, Central South University, and Northeastern University. Discussions focused on establishing frameworks and pathways for resource utilization and setting evaluation standards for waste reuse.

• Li Huawei emphasized the alignment of China Railway Construction’s medium- and long-term strategy with efforts to develop "five new tracks" (new infrastructure, new equipment, new materials, new energy, and new services) and accelerate "six transformations" (high-end, intelligent, green, refined, digital, and international development). He noted that this forum supports ongoing reforms and contributes to the company’s high-quality development by addressing "recycling of mining resources."
• Jia Hong highlighted the growing threat posed by mining and metallurgical solid waste due to industrialization. He called for leveraging innovative technologies and policies to address the annual global production of over 30 billion tons of waste, emphasizing China’s goal to achieve a 60% comprehensive utilization rate for major solid waste by 2025 as per government directives.

Roundtable Discussions

Experts from over 260 attendees, including representatives from China University of Mining and Technology, Northeastern University, Central South University, and the Mining and Metallurgical Technology Group, engaged in roundtable discussions. Topics covered included waste treatment technologies, resource utilization pathways, and industrial applications. The forum also analyzed the current state of the domestic and international solid waste utilization markets.

Outcomes and Future Directions

Participants reached a consensus on the importance of comprehensive utilization of mining and metallurgical solid waste for sustainable development. By fostering innovation and collaboration, the forum underscored the need for industry-wide initiatives to achieve resource sustainability and environmental goals. The event was supported by prominent institutions such as China Railway Construction Corporation, Central South University, Northeastern University, and Southern University of Science and Technology.

Closing Remarks

Guan Zhenxiang, Deputy Chief Engineer of China Railway 19th Bureau Group, delivered the closing speech. He reiterated the forum’s commitment to advancing green development and contributing to the circular economy, aligning with the forum’s objectives of "resource optimization, green mining, and sustainable development."