August 19, 2024 – Jianping County, Chaoyang City, Liaoning Province, renowned as the “Hometown of China’s Bentonite,” stands out globally as a pivotal producer of this versatile mineral. Boasting an impressive current reserve of 26.97 million tons and a prospective reserve exceeding 200 million tons, Jianping holds sway in the international bentonite market. Within its explored mining rights, an additional 1.0561 million tons of bentonite reserves remain untapped. The county hosts a robust mining sector, comprising 40 bentonite mines, including 5 large-scale and 23 medium-sized operations, collectively capable of annual production exceeding 2.735 million tons.
To further propel the growth of non-metallic industries, notably bentonite and purple pottery construction materials, Chaoyang City has intensified efforts to enhance production at 88 above-scale enterprises such as Weike Dongming and Kazuo Congyuanhao. Additionally, the city is expediting key projects like the comprehensive development of bentonite by China Energy Engineering Group and the production of low-carbon cementitious materials by Liaoning Beize, thereby unleashing the production potential of cement and building materials enterprises like Shanshui Dongxin Cement, China National Building Material Group’s local ventures, and Lanling Cement Factory.
A recent visit to the intelligent production facility of China Energy Engineering Huiying Non-Metallic Materials (Liaoning) Co., Ltd. revealed a highly efficient operation, where technicians monitor production lines, product quality, and tank loading through PLC systems and digital screens in the central control room.
The comprehensive bentonite development project undertaken by China Energy Engineering Group, with a total investment of 5.26 billion yuan, has achieved a seamless transition into operational collaboration with Jianping Huiying Chemical Co., Ltd. and Liaoning Dienrui Technology Co., Ltd. following the successful transfer of bentonite mining rights and related assets in the second quarter of this year.
Envisioned in three phases, the project encompasses the establishment of a Huiying bentonite deep-processing industrial park, a new materials technology park with an annual capacity of 3 million tons, a research and development center for bentonite functional materials, and a warehousing and logistics park. Its ultimate goal is to harness technology to empower the bentonite industry and pave the way for an IPO listing.
Project leader Zhou Hongbo revealed ambitious projections, anticipating a revenue of 10 billion yuan and tax contributions of 1.5 billion yuan upon completion. The project also aims to create 5,000 local jobs and strive for an IPO spin-off within 3 to 5 years, aspiring to establish a “China’s First, World’s Leading” bentonite new materials industrial base with a valuation exceeding 10 billion yuan. Currently, the project is progressing steadily, poised for significant milestones with the support of municipal and county government policies and the conducive business environment.