Zijin Mining stock advances autonomous haulage at Julong

Zijin Mining said on Wednesday, November 4, that more than 70 autonomous haul trucks were operating at its Julong Copper Mine in China. The company said productivity was close to 90% of human-driven trucks and that the Zhibula pit had achieved fully driverless haulage.

Safety drives the rollout

The update described automation as a safety measure as well as an operating initiative. Radar and image recognition systems support automatic responses, while redesigned haul roads, expanded loading and dumping areas, traffic lights and dedicated traffic rules form the operating framework.

About 45 autonomous trucks were operating at Zhibula during the company report. The vehicles can return automatically for charging, while dispatchers monitor fleet movements from a control room 10 kilometers from the pit. The control room is nearly 1,500 meters lower than the high-altitude worksite.

The change is also reshaping work at the mine. Zijin said former truck drivers have moved into remote dispatcher roles since the Julong program began in 2024. The company has also deployed autonomous trucks at its Zijinshan Gold-Copper Mine in China and Norton Gold Fields in Australia.

Technology adds an operating lever

For investors, the rollout adds a digitalization and workforce-efficiency angle to Zijin's copper and gold portfolio. The reported productivity level suggests that automation is moving beyond a pilot role at Julong, although the update does not provide a financial contribution or a production forecast.

The real-time quote of Zijin Mining stock was 3.31 euros on Lang & Schwarz at 09:37 CET on Friday, November 6, 2026.

Developments in China's mining sector can be followed through the Shanghai Composite market environment.

More news and analyses on Zijin Mining stock will track further automation milestones and their relevance for mine productivity.