CATL has appointed Chen Jinghe as a senior adviser for its mining business, as the company seeks to reinforce its access to critical raw materials for battery production, according to multiple media reports.
Chen, 69, who stepped down from his role at Zijin Mining at the start of the year, will support CATL in expanding its mineral supply chain operations, Chinese financial outlet Yicai reported.
A trained geologist, Chen led Zijin Mining for more than three decades, transforming it from a domestic gold producer into one of the world’s largest diversified mining groups with a market value exceeding $120 billion, according to Bloomberg.
The appointment comes as CATL accelerates efforts to secure upstream resources, including lithium, nickel, cobalt and phosphorus—key inputs for electric vehicle batteries. The company has invested in mining projects globally and expanded domestic resource development in China in recent years to mitigate supply risks and price volatility.
Chen’s experience in scaling international mining operations is expected to support CATL’s strategy as it deepens its presence across the battery materials value chain.
Following his retirement, Chen said Zijin Mining should transition from a founder-led structure to a more modern corporate governance model. In addition to his advisory role at CATL, he was appointed in February as chief adviser to Wanguo Gold Group, where he leads a strategic development committee, according to Bloomberg.