Baiyin Nonferrous Metals Corporation was the first non-ferrous metal company in China set up after 1949. By the end of the tenth Five-Year Plan period (2001-2005), it was able to produce 370,000 tons of non-ferrous metal annually.

After nearly half a century, the company has become the country’s largest base for nonferrous metal production and utilization. The company produces major products, in accordance to international standards, which are well-regarded in China and are also sold to the United States, Japan, Australia and other countries and regions.

Gansu Rare Earth Group Co Ltd is the only grade-one national enterprise in the rare earth industry. In 1993, the company was identified as a large-scale enterprise by six ministries and commissions, including the State Planning Commission (now known as National Development and Reform Commission) and National Economic and Trade Commission. By the end of the tenth Five-Year Plan period, production of various rare earth materials reached 30,000 tons.

The company has total assets of 700 million yuan ($114.87 million), and an annual processing capacity of 30,000 tons of rare earth concentrates. It owns 10 national patents and is allowed to deal with self-managed import and export businesses.

More than 60 percent of its products are exported to the United States, Japan and other countries and regions, accounting for 20 percent of the nation’s total rare earth exports. These products are also sold to more than 600 domestic clients.

?Northwest Copper Processing Plant is a key player in the non-ferrous metal processing industry. The plant mainly produces copper, zinc, lead and various alloys.

It is now able to produce 56,000 tons of non-ferrous metal plates, strips, bars and other materials annually. The plant has the capacity to produce items of 152 metal grades, 506 varieties, and thousands of specifications.