A new copper metallurgy technique has passed the evaluation organized by China Nonferrous Metals Industry Association on April 23. The proprietary technique is owned by an enterprise based in Chifeng, Inner Mongolia autonomous region.

This new technology is a step forward in saving energy, reducing emissions and cutting costs in the copper industry, said Han Zhi, a member of the technology's research staff.

From November 2014, this smelting technology was applied in a Chifeng-based nonferrous metal company's copper production. The manufacturer's annual output grew from 100,000 tons to 130,000 tons. Moreover, the new technology helps to reduce uncontrolled sulfuric emissions, cutting the disposal cost.

China is like a "museum" of copper metallurgy, where the most advanced technologies exist at the same time as more primitive techniques, said Jia Mingxing, deputy head of China Nonferrous Metals Industry Association. This new technology will be favorable to Chinese copper production, for its low requirements to raw materials, high efficiency and low emissions, he added.

Chifeng is a city of nonferrous metals. Metallurgy is an important part of the city's economy and a challenge for its environmental protection. A total of 30 million yuan ($4.84 million) was invested in the new technology's development in five years, including scientific and technological funds from Inner Mongolian authorities, supporting funds from the Chifeng government, and the financial support of Chifeng's Kalaqin Banner.