Hechi: A beacon for intelligent transformation in non-ferrous metal industry

Hechi city in South China's Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, renowned as the "hometown of non-ferrous metals" in China, is spearheading an intelligent transformation of its traditional industry by leveraging the Nandan Critical Metals High-Quality Development Pilot Zone as a key strategic platform.

While exploring the development path of "artificial intelligence + manufacturing", Hechi city aims to provide a replicable model for nationwide industrial modernization.

With decades of experience, Hechi's non-ferrous metal industry boasts a comprehensive production system, a skilled workforce, and a relatively complete industrial chain. In 2025, Hechi achieved an output value of close to 41.44 billion yuan ($6.1 billion) in the non-ferrous metal sector, accounting for over 46 percent of the city's total industrial output.

However, challenges such as a short industrial chain, insufficient deep processing capabilities, and technical bottlenecks in traditional smelting hinder the industry's progression from "large" to "strong".

Hechi's exploration has proved that the deep-rooted foundation of traditional industries is not a burden for intelligent transformation but a solid foundation. In May of this year, Hechi launched the Three-Year Plan (2026-28) on "AI+", aiming to establish a benchmark in smart non-ferrous and critical metals industries. This plan focuses on achieving full-process intelligence in mineral exploration, intelligent smelter and pollution control, forming a replicable "Hechi smart non-ferrous solution".

The practice of Southern Nonferrous Metals Group in Nandan county also demonstrates that new quality productive forces can emerge from the fingertips of seasoned workers and the data streams in workshops. Traditional industries are not "burdens", but fertile grounds for cultivating new quality productive forces.