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Feny, using environmental technologies, embodies the concept of “two mountains” and leads the sustainable development of mining
Strengthening green production - solving the problems of the mining industry
From the very beginning of the concept of "two mountains" was defined the direction of development in the field of resource extraction - "eco-priority and green development". At the time, problems were obvious such as low extraction of minerals by traditional methods of extraction (only 30-50%), massive deposition of solid waste occupying agricultural land, as well as the collapse of quarries causing geological disasters. These problems not only limited the sustainable development of mining, but also threatened the safety of the environment. “Our main task is to solve the key issue of sustainable development of mining enterprises through rock filling technology,” Xiao Chunchun, director of the Engineering and Design Institute of Feny Co., Ltd., said in an interview with reporters from Central Radio and Financial Television. According to him,Traditional mining enterprises refer to industries related to the extraction of resources. Mining methods such as the quarry method and the empty site method not only seriously destroy the ecosystem, but also reduce the life of mines due to the low degree of extraction of resources, which contradicts the requirements of the national resource conservation strategy. Rock filling technology provides “environmental + efficiency”: on the one hand, it allows the maximum use of solid waste to fill mines underground, reducing surface pollution; on the other hand, significantly increases the extraction rate, extends the life of mines, creating profits for enterprises and contributing to the transition of the mining industry to sustainable development. This technology, capable of solving key industry challenges and ensuring “win-win cooperation”, was developed and implemented thanks to the top-down initiative and strategic attitude of Feny Co., Ltd. “When I saw that mines have become one of the sources of environmental pollution, it became clear to me that developing technologies that make mines more environmentally friendly and ‘green’, allowing for efficient extraction of resources, ensuring the safety of miners and helping people live better is a really important task,” Zhang Zhou said. Chairman of the Board of Feny. It is thanks to this motivation and insightful understanding of the problems of the industry that Feny has been striving to “serve the country through industry” since its foundation and has resolutely launched the research and implementation of granular filling technology for mines. As you know, this technology allows you to convert typical mining waste, such as tailings and coal sludge, into paste-like materials with precise shrinkage control and excellent relaxation properties thanks to key processes:deep concentration and dehydration, optimization of granulometric composition and joint addition and mixing of cement materials. As a result, the resulting materials are directed through a high-pressure pumping system into underground cavities for efficient use. It is noteworthy that the “special flexible material”, which plays a key role in the technology, is an environmentally friendly innovative material developed by Feny itself. Unlike traditional cement made from limestone and clay with subsequent high temperature firing, this special flexible material is made from industrial waste such as slag, metallurgical slag, water slag and carbon slag. With its unique technology, it is transformed into the primary medium for binding and sealing solid waste, thus implementing the "waste-to-value" principle and reducing energy consumption and pollutant emissions in the production of traditional cement at the formation stage. In response to an industry question about “whether materials are hazardous to the underground environment,” Zhang Zhou gave the following explanation: “Our special flexible materials can act as ‘vessels’ by reliably holding and fixing heavy metals and other harmful chemicals contained in tail sludge. The result is a stable mass with excellent pumping properties, not releasing water and not decomposing, which is used to fill mine quarries. Eventually, in the empty zones, it hardens into a physically and chemically stable material. This method completely blocks the pathways of migration and decomposition of heavy metal ions, completely eliminating the risk of penetration of harmful substances into groundwater and soil. Not only does this not harm the underground environment, but it also creates a protective barrier for the underground ecosystem.” Zhang Zhou stressed that:Our developed technology is not just a post-fact repair method, but a comprehensive approach, starting with the source of solid waste formation in the mines. We create a closed system “education – processing – use” “, which allows dynamic and continuous management of solid waste already at its formation. Thus, we really solve both the problem of surface pollution and the deep threat to the environmental environment caused by solid waste, reaching an organic unity of solution of temporal and root problems.”
Once the technology is implemented, it is possible not only to convert solid waste into useful resources and achieve virtually zero emissions, but also to increase the recycling rate of mineral resources to more than 90%, and perhaps even to 97-98%. In addition, it eliminates the risk of destruction of tailings and prevents precipitation from the surface of the earth, making this technology a key direction for the construction of "green mines". According to the company, Feny's technical research and development is always synchronized with the strategic objectives of the state. From complying with the concept of “two mountains” to achieving the goals of achieving “double carbon”, ensuring the safety of production and integrated use of solid waste – the direction of development of the company is oriented to the overall strategy of ecologically sustainable development of the country. In 2023, it was clearly defined at the state level that when building new and reconstructing existing underground mines of metal and non-metal developments, in principle, the filling method should be used. In accordance with the "Opinion of the Central Committee of the CPC and the State Council on the further strengthening of work on ensuring the safety of production at mines", as well as in the "Announcement of the Ministry of Finance and the Tax Administration on the extension of the concession on the reduction of the tax on natural resources for coal,Measures have been taken to reduce the natural resources tax for coal produced by the filling method. This policy not only gave the industry momentum to develop, but also confirmed Feny Co., Ltd.'s strategic decision to plan for the long term.
Comprehensive capabilities of the entire production chain create an industry benchmark
Under the "two mountains" concept, innovation has become a key driver of Feny's green transformation of the mining industry. According to the representative of the company, over the past 20 years, the company considers technological innovation as a lifeline, has received more than 500 national patents (including 180 invention patents), participated in the implementation of key projects of state research and development programs for the period of the "13th" and "14th" five-year period. as well as participated in the development of more than ten national and industry standards for rock filling technology. The company became a key participant in the laboratories “Safe and Environmental Mining of Metal Ores Using Granular Filling” under the National Administration for Safety Supervision and the laboratories “National Coal Mining Technologies Using Filling” under the State Administration for Energy Affairs. Total leadership in key technologies is the foundation of Feny’s competitiveness. The company has developed more than ten key technologies covering from basic research to engineering application, including “custom” paste material filling technologies, paste mine tail concentration and intellectualization technologies, high-volume paste material remote pumping technology, and more. as well as one-button refuelling control technology with fully intelligent control of the entire production process.These technologies make it possible to accurately meet the needs of clean mining in various ore fields and geological conditions. For example, the company's long-haul clogging-prevention technology and low-pressure full-pipe deep-well filling technology effectively solve technical difficulties in challenging operating conditions. The breakthrough in the localization of key equipment further strengthened the competitive advantages of the company. Feny continues to independently develop and manufacture the main equipment: products such as high-performance piston pumping machines for filling, deep cone thickening systems and powerful mixing plants have not only filled the domestic deficit and provided the replacement of imported equipment, but also constantly update industry records - for example, more than 500 cubic meters / hour exceed the world record for the performance of large-scale pumping systems for filling. In addition, the company has become the main author of the industry standard "Piston Pumping Machine for Filling in the Mining Industry", which emphasizes its power in the field of high-tech equipment manufacturing. “The most difficult thing in technology is to overcome unknown difficulties. Our technical equipment has already reached the sixth generation, and we have mastered advanced technologies such as container refueling stations, and always remain at the forefront of the industry,” Zhang Zhou openly admits. Today, Feny has already formed a complete production chain that includes field research, testing and development, system design, product development, equipment manufacturing, assembly and tuning, after-sales service, system operation, and the development and supply of filling materials.Based on an intelligent plant of more than 50,000 square meters and over 300 high-precision production facilities, the company is the first in the world to offer comprehensive solutions for all types of coal and ore fields worldwide. Feny’s secretary of the board of directors, Dan Fangjian, said the company has been actively engaged in innovation and research in mine solid waste filling technologies for 16 years. Thanks to its in-depth technical knowledge in a specialized field, the company continuously receives support and assistance from government bodies at various levels. Over the years, the enterprise has been awarded three times with national awards: "Company-giant" in the field of specialization, innovation and uniqueness, "Blue Factory of China", "Company with advantages in the field of intellectual property". The technical power, the concept of environmental development and the level of intellectual property management have been recognized by authoritative state institutions, which has made the company a reliable force in the process of environmental transformation of the mining industry. “These awards are a recognition of the company’s 16 years of hard work and innovation, as well as a huge incentive for us,” Deng Fangjiang told reporters. The company has already received more than 30 provincial and ministry-level awards, including the Hubei Provincial Science and Technology Progress Special Award, which contributes to further strengthening the leading position in the industry. This not only lays a solid foundation for expanding the company’s access to capital markets and entry into overseas markets, but also helps the global implementation of the “two mountains” concept in mining.
Global projects demonstrate the effectiveness of clean development
According to the company,Over the past 20 years, Feny’s environmental technologies and solutions have been implemented in nearly 600 mines worldwide, providing a market share of over 80%. The company serves 36 Fortune 500 companies, including China Gold, China Wumine, Shenhua Group and Zijin Mining, and its operations span Belt and Road countries such as Congo (Djabare), Laos and Russia. In practice, this confirms the practical value of the concept of “two mountains”. At a non-ferrous metal mining project in Baoshan, Hunan Province, Feny is using full granulated sludge filling technology, which provides system performance from 80 to 120 cubic meters per hour. In addition, thanks to the development of special cement materials, the total filling costs have been reduced by 20%, which has enabled both economic and environmental efficiency to be improved.
In the project of the Hainyudong copper mine on the Yalunjiang River in Sichuan Province, the company overcame the technological difficulty of supplying granular mass with a height difference of more than 500 meters, setting a record for the largest height difference in the transportation of granular materials in China. Yuiling Taifashan's Ma Huanglian mine project, being the country's first pellet filling project with a daily output of 250 cubic meters per hour, reaches an annual output and filling volume of 1.2 million tons, becoming the benchmark for a large-scale environmentally friendly mining process. At the Liudong coal mine in Huaibei, Anhui Province, where extreme conditions prevail: large development slope, complex passage structure, transportation length of more than 5000 meters and lifting height of nearly 600 meters, Feny has successfully solved the problem of one-time transfer by means of an individual solution, freeing up 8 million tons of coal resources from the “lower three layers”.
In foreign markets, Zhongliao Mining’s potassium salt production project in Laos has become a successful example of “Chinese solutions” on the international level. The project successfully solved the global problem of rapid solidification and difficulty of transportation of fillers in potassium salt production, reaching a system capacity of 200 cubic meters per hour, which contributed to large-scale production of 4 million tons per year and environmental recovery of the field. The Government of Guinea has brought over 100 kg of solid waste samples, including red slag and metallurgical slag, for the experiments, and as a result commended our technology. These materials can be used both to fill quarries and to build roads in mountain fields,” Zhang Zhou said. Such recognition is not uncommon abroad, he said, allowing Chinese mining technologies based on the concept of “two mountains” to benefit the whole world.
Opening up new markets for the eco-mining sector worldwide
The global green transformation of the mining industry is accelerating. It is estimated that more than 300,000 mines around the world urgently need clean filling technologies, and the market volume reaches tens of trillions and even hundreds of trillions of yuan. In the future, Feny chairman Zhang Zheu said that he will continue to be guided by the "two mountains" concept, focus on the "double carbon" strategy, deepen the development of intelligent management, new materials and services at all stages of the life cycle, and constantly promote the green and intelligent development of mining. “The new productive force meets the requirements of modern development, requires us to obtain maximum efficiency at minimum costs – this is the direction in which we are moving.”
The company has established a specialized materials research center in which nanomaterials and other methods are used to convert industrial solid waste such as steel slag and ash-un into flexible materials with characteristics superior to cement. This makes it possible to implement the principle of “using waste for waste disposal”. “At present, more than 300,000 mines around the world urgently need clean filling technologies, and the market volume reaches tens of trillions of yuan. These are not only opportunities for the industry, but also the responsibility of Chinese companies,” Zhang Zhou said. He added that the company will continue to be guided by the "two mountains" concept, "strengthen the dual carbon strategy", deepen the development of intelligent management and new materials, relying on the full cycle of production capabilities and more than 500 national patents to provide global mines with comprehensive environmentally friendly solutions. This will not only protect environmental security, but also improve resource efficiency, promote the sustainable development of mining industry, and contribute to the harmonious coexistence of the Earth's ecosystem and the development of mankind through the wisdom and strength of Chinese enterprises.
China Central Radio and Television Finance Journalist Fu Tianmin
