During the peak summer season, construction sites in Zhenxiong County's Yan Yuan Town, at the Baixiangba Phosphorus-Based New Material Deep Processing Industrial Park, are bustling with activity. Supporting infrastructure projects, including water supply pipelines, main roads, and site leveling, are being rushed around the clock, while mining and beneficiation operations at the Wanchang Town phosphorus mine area are also progressing in an orderly manner. The development of the Zhenxiong phosphorus-based new material, green, low-carbon, circular economy industrial cluster has entered a full-speed, critical phase.
Rooted in the Wanchang Town's high-grade phosphorus deposits, which are among the best in Asia, the region is building a comprehensive industrial chain encompassing phosphorus mining, beneficiation, fine chemicals, and new energy materials. This creates a new path for industrial transformation and income growth for the masses in the Wumeng Mountain area. The proven phosphorus ore reserves in Zhaotong City exceed 13 billion tons, accounting for half of the total proven reserves in China. Specifically, the Wanchang phosphorus mine in Zhenxiong has proven reserves of 2.437 billion tons, making it the largest single high-grade phosphorus deposit in Asia.
Where to Initiate Efforts
Zhenxiong County is targeting the high-end new material sector by laying out a full industrial chain. The projects involve a total investment of approximately 60 billion yuan, with plans to implement 25 specific industrial projects. The focus is on high-value-added products such as lithium iron phosphate, phosphorus-based flame retardants, electronic chemicals, and new slow-release fertilizers. The goal is to establish a leading phosphorus-based new material industry hub, targeting both the domestic market and Southeast Asia, effectively transforming underground mineral resources into sustainable, long-term economic benefits.
Development Progress
Currently, the construction of supporting infrastructure is progressing on multiple fronts at the Baixiangba deep processing park in Yanyuan Town. All 1,500 mu of industrial construction land has been secured, and 30 kilometers of water supply pipelines have been laid. The construction of a 34.4-kilometer main road for large-scale equipment transport is proceeding steadily, with a target of meeting the transport needs for large equipment by the end of 2026. Supporting facilities for power supply, sewage treatment, and solid waste recycling are being built concurrently, adhering to the principles of green and low-carbon development. This ensures the recycling of mine tailings and production waste, balancing development with environmental protection.
Yunnan Yuntianhua Co., Ltd. is advancing the project in two phases. The first phase focuses on establishing mining capacity at the Wanchang mine and basic chemical production capacity at the Yanyuan park. The second phase will delve into the deep processing of new materials to extend the value chain. The industrial development is also bringing employment opportunities closer to home. During the construction phase, the Yanyuan Industrial Park has already hired over 1,200 local workers for various roles including civil engineering, pipeline installation, landscaping, and security. This has led to the return of many migrant workers from other provinces.
According to the plan, the full operation of the projects is expected to provide over 10,000 stable industrial jobs, driving growth in upstream and downstream industries such as mine transportation, catering and accommodation, commercial logistics, and supporting agriculture. This will benefit over 100,000 people in surrounding townships like Wanchang, Huashan, and Yanyuan. "Having a major project near home means we don't have to travel far to other provinces for work. We can earn a living and take care of our children and elderly," said Chen Yong, a Wanchang town resident who previously worked far away and is now a steel fixer at the Yanyuan park.
A representative from the Zhenxiong County Industrial Park Management Committee explained that the county has implemented a coordination mechanism involving provincial oversight, city-level scheduling, county-level execution, and government-enterprise collaboration. A green channel for project approvals has been established, employing measures like acceptance of documents without all formalities and full-service agency processing, significantly reducing the time required for project procedures. Simultaneously, resettlement support is being provided to residents affected by land acquisition and demolition. The construction of the third resettlement site in the southern new district is being accelerated to ensure the relocated families are well-settled and have no worries about their living situations.
Based on its resource endowments and with a focus on long-term development, Zhenxiong is using the phosphorus-based new material cluster as its primary industrial engine. This is integrated with the bamboo industry, textile and apparel sector, and green food processing to form a "one primary, multiple auxiliary" industrial matrix. Going forward, the county will continue to accelerate the infrastructure construction of the Yanyuan deep processing park and the Wanchang mine. The focus will be on meeting critical project operational milestones, promoting the efficient use and green production of mineral resources. This large-scale industry is expected to drive significant employment and support a major industrial revitalization, helping Zhenxiong transition from a resource-rich county to a strong industrial county.