Rebirth of the Official Business Route

Although the domestic steel industry in the 1990s has not been mad for two years, the dependence on the iron ore resources of Western Australia in Australia is not high, but it does not mean that the domestic steel industry and the iron ore resources of Western Australia have nothing. Involved.

As early as 1988, China Metallurgical Import and Export Corporation established a joint venture in Western Australia with the Australian Hamersley Iron Ore Company, the world’s third largest miner, Rio Tinto’s subsidiary in Western Australia. Resource investment project-Chana Iron Ore, Chinese rights and interests in Chana Iron Ore.

Over three million tons of iron ore imported from Western Australia to China each year is almost all provided by Chana Iron Ore. For this reason, China Metallurgical Import and Export Corporation has set up a branch in Perth, China Zhi Australia, to take charge of related matters. . Fastest update of novel chapters

It is a pity that China Metallurgical Corporation’s overseas iron ore resource expansion stepped out of this commendable first step in 1988, but it stagnated for nearly two decades, until it reached the neck of the domestic steel industry a few years later. After all the international miners were forced to stop quickly, they thought of the next step in overseas resource deployment.

Zhang Ke looked at Jia Zhiyi with piercing eyes. He had obtained Jia Zhiyi's detailed materials before. The 46-year-old Jia Zhiyi should be regarded as a competent official under the domestic background, even if the Zhongzhi head office did not further expand in Western Australia. With his willingness to distribute iron ore resources, he is also actively pushing to increase the annual output of Chana Iron Mine from the current 3 million tons to 10 million tons. "Fiction" novel chapters are updated fastest

Huang Mingsheng, Economic Counselor of the Chinese Consulate-General in Perth, saw that Jia Zhiyi, the general manager of MCC Australia, had an admiration for Zhang Ke, and he was calmly accepting the look on Zhang Ke's face. He was very strange in his heart, but it was inconvenient to inquire on the spot.

Jia Zhiyi seemed to have guessed the confusion in Huang Mingsheng's heart, and said with a smile: "Counselor Huang just told me about the beauty of the establishment of Huaxi Mining. Do you know that Huaxi Mining was born?"

"Aren't you MCC?" Huang Mingsheng asked.

"..." Jia Zhiyi laughed, and said to Zhang Ke and Ye Jianbin, "MCC is really soaked in the light of Kumho, and no one outside knows that you Kumho is truly beautiful."

Zhang Ke smiled and said: "It is the real thing that can enjoy the benefits. We don't care much about things on the bright side."

Jia Zhiyi said to Huang Mingsheng: "There are some things. The media is not promoted. In fact, Kumho is also one of the major shareholders of Huaxi Mining. The place of completion. The MCC Corporation just kicked it when it came to the door..."

"A kick is the most attractive place." Ye Jianbin said with a smile. "Mr Jia also likes football?"

Zhang Ke touched his nose. Ye Jianbin is half a football fan. He even offered to sponsor a football team. Zhang Ke told him that he would rather sponsor the women's football than the men's football. Ye Jianbin gave up after thinking about it.

Huang Mingsheng's news in Perth was indeed blocked. I came to Perth as economic counselor in 1994 and I haven't returned to China much so far. The economic affairs of the Mainland and Perth are really ill-advised. His most common local job now is to participate in local Chinese and overseas Chinese community activities. Self-cultivation and nourishment. Business is inevitably a bit slack. The understanding of the domestic economy is even inferior to that of overseas company managers. I even thought that the famous Aida Group and the two companies were completely unrelated.

As for the scale of the Kumho Commercial Complex. Huang Mingsheng also didn't know it intuitively. It is enough to know that Ye Jianbin is the nephew of Ye Zhenmin, deputy secretary of the party group and deputy minister of the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation, his immediate boss.

Of course. Huaxi Mining Land Affairs. Huang Mingsheng also knows. Xinhua's internal reference has reported the integration of Huaxi Mining's domestic rare earth industry on the full page.

In the 516 case and Zhangzhou, the central and local governments have strengthened their efforts to rectify the rare earth industry, coupled with the establishment of Huaxi and strict restrictions on foreign investment in the rare earth smelting industry, prompting the price of light rare earths in the international market to more than double in a year , The price increase of heavy rare earths is even more bizarre, increasing nearly three times. This is the second increase after China's liberalization of rare earth exports in 1996 and the continued decline in international rare earth prices, but it has risen to a surprising level as soon as it rises. When the actual export volume of rare earths has been cut by nearly half, foreign exchange income has increased instead of falling.

After the establishment of Huaxi Mining, the central government appointed China Metallurgical Corporation to integrate the middle and upper reaches of the rare earth industry with local governments, intending to form two major rare earth industry groups in the south and the north to complete the monopoly of the entire rare earth industry.

In the caliber of internal and external publicity, Kumho must be deliberately ignored.

The domestic basic resources and energy industries are either completely closed and only allow state-owned capital to enter, or they are restricted to non-public capital. There is no reason that Kumho can participate in the operation of Huaxi Mining. The process is very tortuous and the situation is very special. Of course, it cannot be published to give the public an inappropriate illusion.

Huang Mingsheng also knows that the nature of Huaxi Mining is unusual. He thinks that Kumho is both a starter and a shareholding company. The relationship behind this is really not so hard. He habitually thinks about personal connections, wondering in his heart, can this be done with Minister Ye Zhenmin's ability? But he didn't think about how much Kumho played a role in the establishment of Huaxi. In fact, although Kumho only holds 12% of Huaxi's equity, it has to overtake the nominal Huaxi Qiren China Metallurgical Corporation.

Zhang Shuhe, the consul general in Perth, is at the deputy bureau level. He is an official under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Although he knows more about Kumho, he did not run to the gate of the consulate to pick up Zhang Ke, Ye Jianbin et al.

In addition to representatives of local Chinese and overseas Chinese, some representatives of Chinese-funded institutions or traders in Perth attended the banquet. These people saw Jia Zhiyi's enthusiasm.

Although the domestic steel industry's dependence on Western Australia's iron ore resources is not high, domestic steel mills and iron ore traders with a little vision have set up offices in Perth to engage in iron ore trading business. Chinese businessmen in Perth are not uncommon, but they cannot be compared with the pomp of Chinese iron ore traders in Perth three years later.

Since the domestic iron ore imported from Western Australian stone mainly comes from Chana Iron Ore, which MCC Australia participates in the joint venture, these traders naturally regard MCC Australia’s general manager Jia Zhiyi as a new parent.

In a large number of mining areas, railways, seaports and other logistics channels, BHP Billiton and Rio Tinto are the two major mineral traders and Japanese chaebols.

Under the circumstances, simply engaging in iron ore trading is impossible to obtain profits and bear certain risks, but it is better than nothing. It is a good thing that domestic subway ore purchases can be extended to Western Australia.

For the noon banquet, although Zhang Ke and Ye Jianbin were the guests of honor, Jia Zhiyi became the protagonist when he stopped in the restaurant.

Zhang Ke and Ye Jianbin also had a headache to deal with too many people, so they sat with Zhang Shu and Consul General to discuss some business matters. Jia Zhiyi and Huang Mingsheng dealt with them for a while before returning to the main table.

"Thank you to Consul Zhang for organizing such a luncheon, allowing us at Kumho to have the opportunity to meet and talk with the Chinese and overseas Chinese in Perth and representatives of Chinese-funded institutions," Zhang Ke also introduced the people on his side to Zhang Shuhe, except for Ye Jianbin, In addition to Sun Jingxiang and Zhai Danqing, Kumho Corporation and both have established offices in Perth. The relevant persons in charge all attended the banquet. He straightforwardly told Zhang Shuhe, Jia Zhiyi and Huang Mingsheng about their preliminary intentions for this trip. "We are here to conduct a business inspection of Western Australia this time. The main reason is that after the technological transformation of the Dongshan Iron and Steel Plant, where Kumho currently controls, it will need to import 1.8 million tons of high-quality iron ore from Western Australia every year, and Xinting has 10 million tons of steel. After the completion of the industrial base and the complete integration of Dongshan Steel and Donghai Steel, the demand for high-quality iron ore raw materials will increase to 25 million tons. We hope Western Australia can provide at least 10 million tons..."

Of course Zhang Ke is far from 10 million tons, but in 1999, when the total annual output of iron ore in Western Australia was less than 100 million tons, the premature exposure of the grand ambitions of the target would make the Chinese officials qualitatively and at the same time pass. Early aroused the resolute counterattack of BHP Billiton, Rio Tinto and the Japanese chaebol.

Even a goal of only 10 million tons is enough to make the Chinese officials on the table wide open.

Jia Zhiyi’s eyes are only bright. MCC has been operating in Western Australia for eleven years, and the annual output of Chana Iron Mine is only 3 million tons. He tried his best to persuade the head office to increase investment in Chana Iron Mine and increase the annual output. 10 million tons, the head office hesitated for more than a year, but did not make a final decision happily. Kumho reported 10 million tons of land in Perth when he first came to Perth. This appetite is really amazing. what.

Jia Zhiyi knows well about the domestic steel industry. At least for now, the right to import raw materials from Donghai United Steel and the future 10 million-ton steel industry base is not assigned to Kumho Corporation; in fact, Kumho Corporation’s iron ore mines Stone import quota is only 1.8 million tons of Dongshan Iron and Steel Plant.

Jia Zhiyi asked: "Kumho really wants to import 10 million tons of iron ore from Western Australia every year. It seems that we should talk to Rio Tinto or BHP Billiton... I want MCC Corporation to provide this ten million tons to Kumho, no matter who is the master."

The traders sitting on the table beside them all stood up. The iron ore of Chana Iron Mine was about to be rounded up for others. They could only drink northwest wind when they stayed in Perth.

Zhang Ke smiled slightly and said: "The 10 million tons we need does not account for the amount of Chana Iron Ore, nor does it match Rio Tinto or BHP Billiton. We want to invest in establishing our own supply base..."

Zhang Ke's words were like a boulder thrown into the lake, which immediately stirred up waves.

Consul General Zhang Shuhe, Economic Counsellor Huang Mingsheng, MCC Australia General Manager Jia Zhiyi and others did not speak. Instead, they turned their gazes elsewhere, and the other people at the table suddenly started talking about whether they believed it or not. Some people even laughed disdainfully, just as Zhang Ke was bragging.

Jia Zhiyi also suspects that Zhang Ke is not clear about the concept of independently investing in Western Australia to build a 10 million tons iron ore supply base, but it is not convenient to put it face-to-face. Everyone should join in the fun, because there are more people in China who like to talk empty talk, and there are not many people in the Kumho family.

Jia Zhiyi would never confess in public, but not all of the guests attending the banquet would take care of others' face. Someone immediately stood up and said: "Do you know the annual throughput capacity of Western Australia's harbor? Do you know the annual railway transportation capacity from the mining area of ​​Western Australia to the seaport? The iron ore production capacity of the subsidiaries of BHP Billiton and Rio Tinto in Western Australia almost occupies the Western Australia seaport and railway transportation capacity. Except for yours The workers are strong men, and they can throw the ore from the Western Australia mining area back home across the sea with their bare hands, otherwise..."

"What he said is humorous," Jia Zhiyi smiled, trying to help Zhang Yang's embarrassment, and explained, "MCC has always wanted to increase the annual output of Chana Iron Mine from three million tons to 10 million tons. But this is not just a question of increasing investment in the mining area, but a question of how to coordinate and solve the increased capacity of 7 million tons. Even if the Chana Iron Mine has a 60% interest in Rio Tinto, an additional 7 million will be added. Tons of capacity is still very difficult.

The railways and deep-water iron ore terminals in Western Australia are almost controlled by Rio Tinto, BHP Billiton, and the chaebol behind these two miners, unless Kumho’s demand for 10 million tons of iron ore is purchased from them. Otherwise, it would be difficult to transport from the railway lines and piers under their control to Western Australia railways and ports, which are all privately invested. "

A middle-aged man who looked more loyal and loyal also came over and explained: "We businessmen mainly rely on MCC's mining companies in Western Australia and South Australia. Why don't we go directly to the mining area to purchase directly? The main problem is that the transportation problem cannot be solved. The two major miners have extremely strict control over the logistics system. As long as their transportation needs are met, they will not expand the railway network and ports. Chana Iron Mine plans to increase its production by 7 million tons and an additional 10 million tons. The current capacity load is about to pass. The problem is not as simple as you think. We have also heard that Kumho Corporation has a large investment layout in the country. Dongshan Iron and Steel Co., Ltd. and Kumho Corporation have invested 200 million US dollars... But in Western Australia , 200 million U.S. dollars, can only be a big trader... Nuo," the middle-aged man pointed to the middle-aged man sitting in the corner of the restaurant, "He is the representative of Chenggang, and Chenggang has a large scale in domestic private enterprises. It’s very large, with assets reaching tens of billions. Last year, representatives were sent to Western Australia to build a supply base for iron and stone..."

Zhang Ke glanced at Ye Jianbin. When they came in, the people in this restaurant surrounded Jia Zhiyi. At this time, they thought they were just ordinary representatives sent by Kumho Corporation to Perth.

Of course, these iron ore traders, in addition to state-owned

Trade representatives are worth a lot of money, and there are many billionaires, and they will scare the name of Kumho when they speak. In fact, Kumho’s name is not very loud. In the eyes of some people who know a little bit of the insider, There is also a lot of mystery inside.

Zhang Ke stood up and said to the middle-aged man who helped explain Neizhongqu Ao Di: "We also know that it is very difficult to invest in iron and stone bases. The consulate general is also very enthusiastic to invite everyone here. We also hope that everyone will help make suggestions, even Furthermore, we are working together to make this possible. We plan to allocate 10 to 1.5 billion U.S. dollars to invest in this ten-million-ton iron ore supply base. Of course, the supply base is somewhat inaccurate, it should be said. Supply..."

"Uh..." The middle-aged man was slightly startled. He had planned to organize some language to teach the representative of Kumho Corporation who did not know the heights of the sky. He just Huai Kumho Corporation did not fully consider the difficulty of investing in iron ore. He looked at Zhang Ke in the wrong way, and didn't know how to continue the conversation.

Jia Zhiyi listened next to him and stood up happily and asked: "Kumho is going to invest in the construction of a port and railway line in Western Australia?"

"In order to block Rio Tinto and BHP Billiton, we can only invest in the construction of ports and railway lines by ourselves. The investment of 10 to 1.5 billion US dollars makes it difficult to build the main line. We only invest in the construction of the branch line with 10 million tons of transportation capacity. It's still not big..." Zhang Ke sat down calmly at this time, "Of course, we have to find the mining area before we can determine the construction location of the port and the railway branch. Many things require everyone's help."

There are also a few people with a net worth of over 100 million, but even the MCC Corporation has never expected to build a complete supply chain.

10 million tons of high-quality iron ore can only supply the raw material consumption of a 6 million-ton steel mill. Investing in a 6-million-ton steel mill will save some money, and it can be built with only 2 billion U.S. dollars. Kumho Corporation Is it extravagant to spend one to 1.5 billion U.S. dollars to build a supply of raw iron ore?

The benefits of investing in steel mills in the country are also extremely high. When you get Western Australia, it is not your own site. Besides, how can the chaebol giants easily eat food from the crocodile? According to ordinary people’s thinking, Kumho really wants With this financial capability, it would be more secure to invest in domestic steel plants.

Zhang Ke's remarks shocked and confused those present, but the contempt for Kumho was gone.

Zhang Ke does not know how much rich land remains after the division of Rio Tinto and BHP Billiton in the Pilbara area, the main iron and stone producing area in Western Australia. Public information shows that the two major miners have roughly ploughed the land in the area. , But four years later, Fmg was able to explore huge iron ore resources under the noses of Rio Tinto and BHP Billiton in the areas that the Pilbara two major miners had initially explored and abandoned and quickly became Australia’s No. The three major iron ore merchants, in the Pilbara area, still have a large amount of iron ore resources for Rio Tinto and BHP Billiton. Re-exploration of geological resources in the same area has always been the norm in the industry.

What Kumho has to do is to publicly acquire Australian iron ore companies and apply for exploration rights in the Pilbara area to the greatest extent for iron ore exploration.

In the areas that Rio Tinto and BHP Billiton have initially explored and abandoned and then invest in exploration, the resistance will be relatively small. One is that Rio Tinto and BHP Billiton will relax their vigilance, and the other is that local governments will hope to have companies. For more in-depth exploration of these areas, exploration rights in large areas are also easy to release.

Once the iron ore resources are explored, a huge amount of money must be quickly invested in the infrastructure construction of mines, railways, and ports. China Metallurgical Australia has invested in Chana Iron Mine in Western Australia for ten years and has been building and operating mines. There is a wealth of experience in the above, it will be a very good cooperation.

Even if the Australian iron ore company is acquired, the actual exploration work in the mining area still requires the cooperation of the exploration company in the metallurgical system, and even the entire project can be disassembled into multiple parts to cooperate with domestic companies in the form of joint ventures. In this way, since the problems existing in engineering technology are solved, the financial pressure can also be relieved. After all, Kumho Shanghu’s current stock of funds is less than US$1 billion, and it will cost more than US$2 billion in the next few years. Although further funds can be raised, the pressure on funds is still enormous.

The iron ore traders who attended the banquet today are almost all standing behind domestic steel mills of various sizes. Even if they can't provide much help in infrastructure construction, the capital power behind them is extremely huge.

It is these capital forces that have pushed China’s annual steel output from 100 million tons to 200 million tons, 300 million tons, 400 million tons, 500 million tons, and even to the peak of 600 million tons. As a result, China’s steel production is second to the highest. The eight countries with the highest combined steel output.

A production capacity of 10 million tons represents an investment of 25 billion to 3.5 billion yuan. Com's 600 million tons of production capacity means more than 150 billion yuan in total capital. Even if a small part of this capital flows out, it can greatly alleviate Kumho's financial pressure in the future.

After the luncheon was a networking event, Zhang Ke's words on the table really shocked those who attended today.

As of 1999, the country’s largest overseas resource investment project was the Chana Iron Mine in Western Australia. The total investment of the project was only RMB yuan, and China Metallurgical Corporation was responsible for less than US$17.7 billion. The lake is about to spread a large stall of one to 1.5 billion U.S. dollars in Western Australia at once. One can imagine the magnitude of its shock.

They just didn’t think about the arduousness of investing in iron ore in Western Australia. After Zhang Ke reported the investment budget, they didn’t think about it. Jia Zhiyi also introduced Ye Jianbin’s identity as the president of Kumho. Ordinary business representatives are professionals in the industry, and they have heard a little about Kumho Corporation’s participation in the construction of Dongshan Port in Sinjeong. As a large-scale comprehensive seaport, Dongshan Port has invested more than 2.5 billion US dollars in infrastructure, so there is no need for Kumho The ability to organize to one to 1.5 billion dollars. Jia Zhiyi could not figure out the specific identity of Zhang Ke. After introducing vaguely, Zhang Ke and Ye Jianbin took this opportunity to formally introduce Di Danqing as the representative of Kumho Commercial in Australia to the Chinese businessmen in Perth.