Chapter 89: I'll Give You Two Yuan per Ton!
The original push for the Qu Long Copper Mine was part of Li Tang's plan to leverage the attention it would attract in the industry, boosting his own reputation—at least within Wu Mining Group—so that he could gain the recognition necessary to do more.
Without name recognition or proven achievements, even the most brilliant proposals fell flat. No one would believe in them.
In short, a brilliant plan to transform the mining landscape was meaningless if no one invested in it.
So far, Li Tang felt he had more or less achieved his goal.
Of course, not everything had gone according to plan.
For instance, the detailed exploration phase of the Qu Long project hadn't been successfully launched. Nor had the project been assigned to the 101 Geological Team of Guizhou Province, as he had hoped.
This led to deep disappointment in Wu Mining Group's senior management.
Too much energy was being wasted on internal struggles, which severely hindered progress.
That realization shifted his mindset—he began thinking more about his own interests.
That's why he made the trip to meet with Chen Jinhe in person.
Because he believed Chen Jinhe was someone worth partnering with.
"Lately, many geological experts have come to inspect the Qu Long Copper Mine in Tibet. Our team has spoken with several of them. Most believe the region has great copper exploration potential. Especially around Qu Long, where there could be 'sister' or 'mother-daughter' deposits. Other mining companies are already rushing in to apply for exploration rights nearby," Chen Jinhe said, revealing his growing urgency.
After all, a deposit of this magnitude had been discovered, and vast tracts of land in Tibet remained geologically underexplored.
Even though the region lacked infrastructure—no roads, no water, no electricity—if a large deposit was confirmed, then investing in infrastructure would be entirely justified.
From a national standpoint, building railways, highways, and other strategic investments would become a necessity.
"I've heard as much," Li Tang nodded.
"Do you also believe there are more large copper deposits beyond Qu Long?"
Chen Jinhe turned to look at him, his eyes full of anticipation.
"Yes," Li Tang replied without hesitation. "Tibet is a land of buried treasure. There are many mineral resources here waiting to be discovered. Qu Long is just the first—there will be a second, and a third!"
More super copper mines beyond Qu Long?
Chen Jinhe sank into thought for a moment, then asked, "When you first applied for the Qu Long project, did you tell Niu Fu and Zhao Hepu this same thing?"
"Yes," Li Tang nodded again. "I'm a straightforward person—I don't like beating around the bush."
"You told them outright your exploration goal was to find a super deposit?"
"I gave them a clear number. My exploration target was 10 million tons of contained copper metal."
"Whew—"
Chen Jinhe let out a slow breath, torn between skepticism and awe. "And when you said that to Wu Mining's senior leadership, how did they react?"
"Pretty much the same as you're reacting now. Most didn't believe me. But a few, though doubtful, still chose to support me. In the end, President Niu made the call to green-light the project, and they invested 5 million yuan for preliminary exploration."
"Those who supported you made the right choice. In that case, I'm willing to be one of the wise."
Chen Jinhe gritted his teeth and forced down his doubts. "Since Wu Mining succeeded, the experience is worth learning from. We'll follow the same model—initial investment of 5 million yuan to start preliminary and general surveys. If we hit ore, we'll invest further."
Once he'd made up his mind, he laughed aloud. "Li Tang, I need you to give me a solid feasibility study."
Perhaps he was too used to being the decision-maker. He gave the order without even thinking about Li Tang's role.
"President Chen, I'm still employed by Wu Mining Group," Li Tang reminded him.
"Ah, right. I'll contact Wu Mining directly." He paused, then realized he wasn't sure whom to call. "You're not part of the Metallurgical Company under Wu Mining, right? I think you're with Wu Mining Exploration. Who's your general manager?"
He turned to the people behind him. "Anyone know who manages Wu Mining Exploration?"
The staff from Zise Mining all shook their heads in confusion.
"No need to contact our general manager. Our department head is Qin Jianshe. I'll talk to him myself," Li Tang offered, helping them out.
"That's great!" Chen Jinhe said happily.
"President Chen, about my payment…" Li Tang wasn't shy about discussing money.
"Oh, right! I almost forgot."
Chen Jinhe had been completely focused on the big picture of finding another massive deposit, and forgot about compensation. "We've always valued technical talent and frequently hire top geologists from across the country. We'll pay you according to our highest standard…"
"No."
Li Tang firmly shook his head. "If you're thinking of offering a few tens of thousands for a feasibility study, I think that's unfair to me."
Previously, he had handed over the entire Qu Long feasibility report almost for free to Wu Mining executives—because he had no other choice.
Before this year, no one—except Qin Jianshe and Zhao Hepu—would have taken his report seriously.
But things had changed. His name was now known throughout the entire mining sector.
He believed his ideas were worth real money.
Chen Jinhe paused, then smiled. "Alright, what's your idea?"
"Let me ask first—what's the current price of copper?"
"This year, it's been fluctuating around 21,000 yuan per ton. A bit higher than last year," Chen Jinhe replied.
"So, would President Chen be willing to spend one extra yuan per ton of copper?" Li Tang asked, his eyes sharp.
"What do you mean?"
"I won't charge you a single yuan up front. But if we find ore, I'd like to be paid based on the confirmed reserves."
Li Tang's gaze didn't waver. "I think that kind of incentive will drive me to do my best."
"One yuan per ton of copper reserves?" Chen Jinhe returned the look.
Behind his eyes, ambition flickered.
This man, who appeared so rustic and humble, was in fact a steel-hearted warrior.
He thought for a moment, then said firmly, "If we only find a small deposit—say 500,000 tons—it's worthless. We won't even consider building a plant. Transporting ore from here is too difficult. Unless we find something on the scale of Qu Long, it won't be viable."
"I agree completely," Li Tang said.
"Since you like challenges, I'll grant your wish."
After another long pause, Chen Jinhe continued, "You say one yuan per ton. Fine. I'll give you two yuan!"
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