China Hongqiao's new environmentally friendly aluminum smelting project went into production on Sept 17 in Yunnan, marking a milestone in the Chinese aluminum giant’s endeavor to go green.

The new 2.03-million-tonnes per year integrated aluminum smelting and hydropower project is located in Yunnan’s Wenshan prefecture, where cleaner hydropower is easily accessible for the company’s energy-intensive smelting process.

The project is both a major development in Yunnan’s move towards building a strong green manufacturing province and an opportunity for Hongqiao to, by means of innovation and development towards sustainability, improve its international competitiveness.

The plant is set to see an annual revenue of approximately 28 billion yuan and create more than 7000 new jobs and contribute around 3.4 billion yuan every year in tax revenue.

Calling the construction process of the project a “miracle created at an especially challenging time,” Zhang Bo, China Hongqiao's CEO and Chairman highlighted the exceptional speed and efficiency in its construction process, a result of close cooperation between Hongqiao and local government.

Despite disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Hongqiao was able to complete the project ahead of schedule. It took nine months to build a fully functioning aluminum plant covering an area of 3675 mu (245 hectares),  setting multiple industrial records as well as new standards.

The starting of production is both a milestone and the first step for a longer journey. Hongqiao  Especially aims to construct and operate the project while building an industrial chain, protecting the local environment, and helping locals alleviate poverty and pursue a better life. Honhqiao also aims to build an aluminum industrial cluster in Yunnan powered by green energy.

The park, which is still under construction, has an estimated investment of around 40 billion yuan and has already attracted companies from aluminum, logistics and other industries, all part of the aluminum industrial chain.

“May the development of Hongqiao in Yunnan introduce the province to business leaders as a perfect ground for investment and running a business,” said Zhang Bo, adding that he looks forward to a prosperous future.

The project is in line with both Hongqiao’s commitment to a a responsible industry, increasingly investing in energy conservation and environmental protection to facilitate the high-quality, efficient and sustainable development of the aluminum industry and with Yunnan’s aspiration to seek transformation and upgrade in its traditional industries and further develop as a emerging strategic industry.