On August 21, the China–Africa Mining Cooperation Forum, themed “Hunan Enterprises Unite for a New Chapter in Mining,” was held at UNIROC. Zhang Fan, Second-Level Inspector of the Hunan Provincial Federation of Industry and Commerce; Chen Juan, Director of its Liaison Department; and nearly 50 representatives from the Hunan-Africa Economic and Trade Chamber of Commerce and enterprises in the mining, engineering, and technology sectors gathered at UNIROC for in-depth discussions on China–Africa mining cooperation and industrial collaboration. UNIROC Chairman Wang Xincheng, Executive Director Yang Zhenshi, Deputy General Manager Yu Songping, and other company representatives attended the event.
At the forum, UNIROC Chairman Wang Xincheng welcomed the officials, guests, and business representatives. He noted that UNIROC has specialized in engineering equipment for more than two decades and is now accelerating its expansion into underground mining. Focusing on small-section mine roadway development, the company continues to advance mechanized, automated, and intelligent equipment solutions covering the entire construction workflow. UNIROC looks forward to closer collaboration with more Hunan enterprises, combining their respective strengths in resources, equipment, technology, and services to unlock new opportunities in China–Africa mining cooperation.
Tang Xiang, Executive President of the Hunan-Africa Economic and Trade Chamber of Commerce, introduced the chamber's development and Hunan–Africa economic and trade cooperation. He said the chamber would continue to serve as a bridge connecting businesses, promoting information exchange, resource sharing, and industrial collaboration. It aims to provide Hunan enterprises with an efficient platform for expanding cooperation with Africa and entering African markets.
During the presentations, UNIROC introduced its integrated equipment portfolio and project applications for underground mine development, drawing on representative construction scenarios and case studies. Yang Weiqing, founder of Beijing Xingkan Intelligent Technology Co., Ltd., shared how precision mineral exploration technologies can support resource exploration, assessment, and development decisions. Business representatives then exchanged views on Africa's mining market, mineral exploration, engineering construction, equipment applications, and industrial collaboration, while discussing cooperation needs and emerging opportunities.
In his closing remarks, Hou Xingwang, President of the Hunan-Africa Economic and Trade Chamber of Commerce, highlighted Africa's abundant mineral resources and significant market potential. He noted that Hunan enterprises bring complementary strengths in mining development, engineering construction, equipment manufacturing, and technical services. He encouraged them to integrate resources, strengthen industrial collaboration, and improve coordination across the value chain to enhance their overall competitiveness and jointly pursue opportunities in China–Africa mining cooperation and international markets.
Zhang Fan, Second-Level Inspector of the Hunan Provincial Federation of Industry and Commerce, said that deepening China–Africa economic and trade cooperation is creating broader opportunities for Hunan enterprises to expand internationally. He encouraged businesses to remain confident in global development, leverage Hunan's manufacturing and industrial strengths, deepen collaboration and open cooperation, and continuously enhance their international operations and competitiveness. The federation will continue to connect businesses with relevant resources and support them in expanding into international markets and strengthening overseas cooperation.
After the forum, the guests toured the production workshops at UNIROC's Changsha Industrial Park. They observed the mining equipment manufacturing process and discussed equipment technologies, application scenarios, and the development of intelligent machinery.
UNIROC's intelligent tunnel and mining equipment factory has been recognized as an Advanced-Level Smart Factory of Hunan Province. Designed for the high-mix, low-volume, and customized nature of mining equipment production, its assembly workshop features a takt-based flexible production line. Through mixed-model production on a single line, optimized takt times, and standardized material placement, the assembly line has improved overall production flow efficiency by approximately 25%, further strengthening UNIROC's flexible manufacturing and delivery capabilities across a diverse equipment portfolio.
From component manufacturing to final assembly, and from process management to intelligent production, the tour gave the guests a comprehensive, first-hand view of UNIROC's underground mining equipment portfolio, manufacturing system, production capabilities, and level of intelligent manufacturing.
The event brought together the industrial strengths of Hunan businesses seeking to participate in China–Africa mining cooperation and created a platform for stronger resource connections, complementary capabilities, and coordinated development.
Looking to the global mining market, UNIROC will build on its strengths in engineering equipment and intelligent manufacturing, deepen its presence in underground mining, and work more closely with industry partners to expand internationally. The company remains committed to bringing Hunan-made equipment, technologies, and solutions to global mining projects and contributing to deeper China–Africa mining cooperation.