Chapter 27: The Wukuang Faction vs. the Mining and Metallurgy Faction
"So you're saying that the bioleaching method Li Tang suggested is viable for Demen Copper Mine?" Qin Jianshe asked with a cheerful grin.
"If we used bioleaching to process freshly mined underground ore, it wouldn't work," Zhao Hepu replied seriously, glancing at Li Tang. "But now, it seems we've got nearly 100 million tons of low-grade copper tailings stockpiled here. In that case, introducing bioleaching is definitely a strategy worth trying!"
"The credit really goes to our exploration company. There's a gold mine of tailings just sitting here, covered in dust, and none of you working at the mine even thought of putting it to use!" Qin Jianshe laughed and threw an arm around Li Tang's shoulders before turning back to Zhao Hepu to haggle. "Now, about that reward—you said a useful proposal would get one million, right?"
Discussing money so directly in public—was that really appropriate?
Everyone here knew about the one-million-yuan reward Mining and Metallurgy Co. had promised. All the invited experts had seen the letter.
Knowing was one thing. Talking about it openly? That took nerve.
Of course, part of the reason Qin said it out loud was to make sure Zhao didn't try to back out.
He probably wouldn't stiff the external experts. But with Wukuang and Mining & Metallurgy being "brother companies," things could get murky fast.
Zhao looked around at the other experts a bit awkwardly, clearly embarrassed. "You…"
"We didn't just prove the tailings have value. We practically discovered a brand-new mid-sized copper deposit—240,000 tons! And we handed you a viable technical direction for smelting low-grade ore! That's two proposals. Honestly, we should be charging you two million. Giving us just one million is already a favor between friends!" Qin joked with a grin.
Mining and Metallurgy Co. was a major enterprise. With over a billion in annual revenue, it was hardly short on funds.
Meanwhile, Wukuang Exploration was a newly formed company that depended on headquarters for every penny—it was strapped for cash.
An extra million would be a much-needed boost for the department's budget.
"Fine, fine—you'll get your money!" Zhao waved it off, knowing full well that Qin Jianshe was shameless.
Still, he was in a good mood. For the first time in two or three years, it felt like they might actually have a solution to the mine's crisis.
Turning to the senior staff around him, Zhao made an official declaration. "We'll be making a major adjustment to the mine's operations. Two immediate priorities: first, organize a professional team to fully assess the metal content and economic value of these tailings; second, reach out to Jiujiang Copper and arrange a second visit to their bioleaching facility."
The managers from Mining and Metallurgy Co. and Demen Copper Mine immediately began taking notes.
The experts, meanwhile, stood off to the side looking a little shell-shocked.
Just a moment ago, they'd been the center of attention—as they always were at mining sites.
Now, the spotlight had shifted completely to a young man.
And the worst part? They couldn't even argue with him.
Bioleaching was a cutting-edge technology, relatively new even by international standards. In China, serious research didn't begin until 1994, and the first pilot plant didn't launch until 1997. And even that was still in its early stages.
Most of the experts here weren't directly involved in metallurgical R&D. They didn't have the confidence to weigh in.
"Director Zhao," Professor Sun Yiquan finally spoke after a long silence. "With new technologies like this, it typically takes decades to evolve from lab trials to maturity. If you rush into it, you're going to face all kinds of technical and operational problems. I urge you to proceed with caution."
"Switching from pyrometallurgy to hydrometallurgy would require a massive upfront investment," another expert added.
"And don't forget the environmental challenges," someone else said. "This area is near major rivers and lakes. Regulatory oversight is extremely strict!"
"You're talking about starting from scratch. That's a huge risk!"
"If you do decide to reevaluate the tailings, our bureau's technical team specializes in this kind of work," said the chief engineer from the provincial geological bureau. It was his second time offering their services. Though quiet, the man was always looking for new project leads.
All the experts seemed to agree: don't rush it. Changing the mine's entire development strategy overnight? It was risky and potentially reckless.
Zhao Hepu listened to all their concerns without interrupting. Then he calmly asked, "If we don't use the tailings and don't pursue bioleaching, do we have any other options?"
His voice was quiet, but the question instantly silenced the room.
Everyone looked embarrassed.
Seeing their awkward expressions, Zhao finally smiled again. "Gentlemen, your insights have been very helpful. But it's almost lunchtime—shall we go eat?"
After lunch, the experts were originally scheduled to visit the smelter to explore any opportunities for process improvements.
But Zhao had already made up his mind—he was going to implement Li Tang's plan. So the afternoon visit was canceled.
With the new direction confirmed, the work ahead would be massive.
Qin Jianshe said a quick goodbye and left with Li Tang and the others to return to the provincial capital.
He invited Li Tang into his car, visibly pleased. "Jiujiang's famous for its bighead carp. Tonight, we're eating fish—my treat for our team's star!"
"Looking forward to it!" said Liu Kaisheng with a laugh.
"And what about you, hero?" Qin called back from the passenger seat. "You don't like fish?"
"I do," Li Tang replied.
"I didn't expect you to be so knowledgeable about metallurgy," Qin said, clearly impressed. "When you were explaining bioleaching earlier, those experts were speechless—did you see their faces? They looked like they wanted to crawl into a hole."
"They just specialize in different areas," Li Tang replied modestly. "I merely proposed an idea. Whether it's truly viable still needs further study. Designing and building a hydrometallurgical plant involves much more complex expertise—beyond my depth."
"But you pointed them in the right direction—and that's already impressive."
Qin gave him a big thumbs up. "Honestly, I admire you. Back when I went to university, we didn't have national exams. People got in through recommendations. Some of my classmates barely had a primary school education. Your dad was different, though—he was top of the class from day one. And now here you are—outshining even him. Not even a room full of experts could match you!"
Li Tang smiled. "Come on, Director Qin, don't flatter me too much. If I get cocky and lazy, it'll be your problem."
"True enough." Qin nodded seriously. "But still, this was a huge achievement. You deserve recognition. Let me tell you a little secret—just keep it between us. Officially, Zhao Hepu is only the acting general manager of Mining and Metallurgy Co. His one-year term is up. Under normal circumstances, he'd be confirmed without issue. But some higher-ups have been blocking it."
"I'm guessing it's the Wukuang faction," Liu Kaisheng muttered darkly.
Wukuang Group had become a mega-enterprise by merging several large firms. Rumor had it that internal politics were intense—especially between the Wukuang and Mining & Metallurgy factions.
(End of Chapter 27)