The theme of 2024 (26th) China Mining Conference and Exhibition is “Promoting Mining Cooperation for a Better Future”. The conference attracted over 1,000 representatives from mining enterprises, geological exploration units, equipment manufacturers, financial institutions, and industry associations across 40 countries and regions, including South Africa, Afghanistan, Argentina, Mongolia, Namibia, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Ecuador, Tajikistan, Nauru, and Zambia. Among the 15,000 attendees (participants and exhibitors), there were 6 foreign ministerial-level officials, 4 vice-ministerial-level officials, 6 ambassadors to China, and 1 minister.

Focusing on the theme and the new trends and changes in the development of the global mining industry, the conference organized one theme forum, five high-level forums, 18 thematic forums and 32 promotional sessions (among them: seven national and regional project promotion sessions, one project promotion session for mining provinces, five investment and trade promotion fairs and 19 open promotion sessions). With over 350 speakers, the event hosted 367 exhibitors from 18 countries across 414 booths (45,000 sqm exhibition space). The exhibition covered the full industry chain, including investigation and evaluation, exploration and exploitation, technology and equipment, investment and finance, legal consultation, trade services, etc. More than 30 media outlets, including Xinhua News Agency, People’s Daily, China News Service, China Natural Resources News, and Tianjin Daily, formed over 200 reports through on-site coverage and in-depth analysis of key industry developments. This year’s conference highlighted five key features. First, it underscored global collaboration in mining through the attendance of mining ministers from more than ten countries and ambassadors to China, reinforcing a shared commitment to openness and cooperation. Second, the event expanded its “circle of friends” by engaging seven industry associations as first-time co-organizers, including China National Coal Association, China Petroleum and Chemical Industry Federation, China Iron and Steel Industry Association, China Non-Ferrous Metals Industry Association, China Gold Association, China Building Materials Federation, and China Nonmetallic Minerals Industry Association. Third, the quality and effectiveness of enterprise participation have significantly improved, with numerous Fortune Global 500 companies such as Rio Tinto Group and leading domestic mining enterprises attending the event. The exhibition also expanded into multiple new sectors, including specially designated zones for mineral crystals and other specialized displays. Fourth, the forum promotion focused on industry hotspots and market demand. Participants in the conference exchanged and shared their views on hot issues in the mining industry through theme forums, high-level forums, thematic forums and special promotions. Fifth, the conference features a variety of supporting activities, including the first release and recognition of outstanding mining enterprises, the addition of open-ended seminars and trade negotiation areas, and the holding of a project docking and signing ceremony. The conference hosted 38 major events, from the opening ceremony to forums and promotions, while the International Mining Research Center of China Geological Survey (Ministry of Natural Resources) released the Global Mining Development Report 2024.