In the production workshop of Hunan Zhenghetong Silver Industry Co., Ltd., they carefully observed the comprehensive recycling and purification process of rare and precious metals. There was no pungent odor, no scattered dust, and no overflowing wastewater in the purification workshop, which surprised everyone. 

 

“Turning waste into treasure is the trend. It’s amazing that they did so well in the eco-environment protection work during the period,” said Cai Yuqing, a senior journalist of Malaysia’s Sin Chew Daily.

 

 

 

The comprehensive recycling industry of rare and precious metals in Yongxing County has a history of more than 300 years. It is a typical circular economy and environmental protection industry that transforms waste into treasure, with characteristics like energy conservation and environmental protection, leading technology, and an influential brand. 

 

It has formed a unique and influential “mineral-free mining” model in the country, and is one of the “Top Ten Regional Circular Economy Models” in the country. Yongxing County has won many honors such as National Circular Economy Pilot Unit, National “Urban Mineral” Demonstration Base, and China Silver Products Wholesale Center.

 

 

 

In 2023, Yongxing produced 10.5 tons of gold, 5,000 tons of silver, 10 tons of platinum group metals, 16,500 tons of bismuth, 320 tons of tellurium, and 210,000 tons of other metals. 

 

Among them, silver accounted for more than 25% of the total of the country, making Yongxing the largest silver producing area in China.

 

In addition, the production volume of bismuth and tellurium in the county accounted for almost more than half of the global total production, and that of metals such as platinum, palladium, and indium ranked among the top in the country.

 

 

 

At the China Silver City Cultural Creative Industrial Park, the wholesale center for offline silver products and the large-scale silver product exhibition and sales center were eye-catching with a dazzling array of silver products. They selected their favorite silver products, watched craftsmen making silverware, and listened to e-commerce sales. 

 

“We have a clear understanding of the entire process. It’s so wonderful to turn waste into treasure and boost people’s income through the silver industry,” said Lin Lili, a freelance writer for Chinatown TV.