On the afternoon of January 25, 2024, China Minmetals held the 2024 Working Conference on Scientific and Technological Innovation to systematically summarize the achievements in scientific and technological innovation since the implementation of 14th Five-Year Plan, especially in 2023 and arrange the key tasks for 2024. Weng Zuliang, Party Group Secretary and Chairman of China Minmetals attended the conference and delivered a speech. Guo Wenqing, President and Deputy Party Group Secretary of China Minmetals presided over the conference, and members of the leading group were present at the conference.

At the conference, Weng Zuliang and Zeng Bin, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, jointly inaugurated the Studio of Academician Zeng Bin of China Minmetals. Wang Jiezhi, Deputy Party Group Secretary and member of the Board of Directors of China Minmetals, read out the Decision on Scientific and Technological Awards of China Minmetals in 2023. Zhu Kebing, Party Group Member and Vice President of China Minmetals, made a report on scientific and technological innovation. The conference presented awards to representatives who won scientific and technological awards of China Minmetals in 2023.

Weng Zuliang pointed out in his speech that China Minmetals followed the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, deeply implemented the important speeches and instructions of General Secretary Xi Jinping on scientific and technological innovation, gave full play to the leading role of scientific and technological innovation, and strived to build an Innovative Minmetals. China Minmetals has successfully ranked top among central SOEs in innovation, and has been awarded the title of "Enterprises with Outstanding Contributions to Scientific and Technological Innovation" by the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission (SASAC) of the State Council for two consecutive terms. China Minmetals has achieved industry-leading technologies in multiple fields such as deep-sea and deep-Earth exploration, green and low-carbon metallurgy, new energy and new materials.

Weng Zuliang put forward three suggestions on strengthening the leading role of scientific and technological innovation and accelerating the building of an Innovative Minmetals. First, we should raise our political standing, deepen our understanding, and take the initiative in scientific and technological innovation with a strong sense of mission, responsibility and urgency. We should take the Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era as the "overall guideline", "shoulder heavy responsibilities" in building the scientific and technological innovation system, "play a leading role" in promoting deep integration of the innovation chain and the industrial chain, "serve as the pillar" in tackling core technologies and achieving a high level of scientific and technological self-reliance, and "set an example" for systematically optimizing the innovation ecosystem and vigorously improving the overall efficiency of innovation. Second, we should grasp the direction, clearly define tasks, and lead the building of a modern industrial system via scientific and technological innovation. We should lift the capability level of science and technology platforms to forge a "big carrier" of innovation; carry out technological research at multiple levels and in multiple fields to create a "growth engine" of innovation; and promote the commercialization of scientific and technological achievements to unleash the "driving force" of innovation. Third, we should provide adequate guarantee, strengthen collaboration, and create a sound innovation ecosystem through concerted efforts. We should adhere to and strengthen the overall leadership of the Party and strengthen work guidance and organization, in which the Central Research Institute of China Minmetals should properly play a leading role; adhere to the principle that talent is the primary resource, and build a team of high-quality scientific and technological talents; and adhere to precise and effective policy implementation, properly allocate factors and provide policy support.

Guo Wenqing put forward three requirements in implementing the principles of the conference. First, we should raise ideological awareness and resolutely prioritize and highlight scientific and technological innovation. Second, we should strengthen organizational coordination to form a huge synergy in scientific and technological innovation. Third, we should create a strong atmosphere to unleash the tremendous power of scientific and technological innovation.

The conference was attended by non-leadership executives, the Discipline Inspection and Supervision Team, and relevant personnel from various departments of head offices and from enterprises directly-managed by China Minmetals.