Brand Finance has officially released its "2026 Global Mining, Metals & Minerals Brand Value Ranking." The report indicates that Jiangxi Copper Company Limited has secured the title of China's most valuable mining brand for the fourth consecutive year. Meanwhile, Tongling Nonferrous Metals Group saw a significant surge in brand value, jumping from 40th to 28th place, making it the brand with the fastest growth in both value and ranking on the list.
This year's ranking of the top 50 global brands includes 12 Chinese companies, an increase of one from the previous year. Despite a complex and volatile global economic landscape, China remains the country with the highest number of brands on the list.
It is noteworthy that while Jiangxi Copper ranked fourth globally last year, it has now fallen out of the top five.
China not only leads in the number of listed companies but also set a new record with four firms ranking within the global top ten. The total brand value of Chinese companies on the list reached $19.65 billion, accounting for approximately one-quarter of the total value of all ranked brands.
A representative from Brand Finance commented, "This demonstrates the sustained resilience and strategic focus of Chinese mining brands in the global market. The dimensions of competition for global mining brand value are deepening. Over the past year, successful Chinese brands have not only navigated short-term market fluctuations but have also proactively built long-term competitiveness. Chinese mining brands are deeply integrating 'resource security capabilities' with 'sustainability leadership.' This has become a core strategy for enhancing brand resilience in complex environments and winning the long-term trust of investors and partners."
The analysis further highlighted that the advantages of Chinese enterprises are primarily reflected in their scale and market presence. The high number of Chinese brands indicates a broad footprint across different minerals and market segments, solid operational scale, and strong capabilities in resource and supply chain integration, providing a substantial foundation for overall brand value.
However, a notable weakness for Chinese companies is their relatively low brand strength. Compared to some international mining brands, Chinese firms show deficiencies in brand perception and appeal in market research, without highlighting distinct competitive advantages. While scale supports brand value, insufficient brand strength could impact long-term sustainable growth and global competitiveness.
Looking ahead, competition among global mining brands will revolve around both resource security and sustainable development. Chinese brands, leveraging their first-mover advantages in green transition, technological innovation, and global layout, are gradually becoming important leaders in the sector.
Considering the impact of geopolitical conflicts on supply chains and resource security, opportunities in the commodities sector in 2026 are expected to favor "structural divergence" rather than broad-based surges. Critical minerals like copper and lithium may benefit from supply disruptions and energy transition demand, while traditional industrial metals might be constrained by weaker macroeconomic demand. From a brand value perspective, the industry has room for growth, but whether explosive growth occurs depends on companies' ability to translate external price and demand benefits into sustainable revenue and profitability, as well as other factors like brand strength and macroeconomic conditions.
Chinese companies are seen to have certain developmental advantages in this environment. Their large revenue scale, mature supply chains, and resource layouts enable them to convert external price and demand benefits into sustainable income, thereby boosting brand value. Additionally, policy support—including a comprehensive overseas service system, facilitated cross-border investment, strategic guarantees for critical minerals, and international resource cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative—provides institutional and strategic support for Chinese companies expanding overseas and building high-quality international brands.
Among the listed Chinese brands, Jiangxi Copper ranks sixth globally. Since its debut on the list in 2023, it has held the title of China's most valuable mining brand for four consecutive years. However, affected by short-term copper price fluctuations, its brand value decreased by 4.4% year-on-year to $3.49 billion, causing its ranking to drop by two places to sixth.
Regarding this change, the report noted that despite the drop in global ranking, Jiangxi Copper advanced its internationalization strategy in 2025, further increasing the proportion of overseas equity mine production. The company's sustainability report detailed breakthroughs in low-carbon smelting technology, solidifying its position as China's most valuable mining brand.
Furthermore, Zijin Mining Group climbed from 12th to 8th globally, becoming one of the fastest-rising brands in the top ten. Its brand value increased by 19.3% year-on-year to $2.66 billion. The report highlighted that in 2025, Zijin Mining continued to invest in technological innovation and environmental protection, with several overseas projects stabilizing and capacity accelerating, driving improvements in both brand value and ranking.
Aluminum Corporation of China (Chalco) saw its brand value grow by 20.3% to $1.92 billion, rising two places to 14th globally. Its Brand Strength Index increased by 3.3 points to 60, earning it the title of China's strongest minerals brand. This recognition stems from its vigorous promotion of recycled aluminum business and the completion of energy-saving renovations for multiple electrolytic aluminum production capacities, gaining market acknowledgment for its leadership in green and low-carbon transformation.
China Hongqiao Group's brand value surged by 34.8% year-on-year to $1.17 billion. Its global ranking jumped from 32nd to 23rd, with both value and ranking growth rates placing it among the top five globally, establishing it as a benchmark enterprise in China's aluminum sector.
Among the Chinese companies on the list, Tongling Nonferrous Metals Group also delivered a standout performance. Its ranking rose from 40th to 28th, with a brand value increase of 50.7% to $970 million, making it the brand with the fastest growth in value and ranking on the list. Brand Finance commented that the group successfully optimized its global copper concentrate procurement strategy and increased capacity release in new energy materials like high-end copper foil. Through digital transformation enhancing operational efficiency, its cost control capabilities significantly improved, directly driving margin expansion and explosive brand value growth.
Globally, Glencore retained its position as the world's most valuable mining brand for the second consecutive year, with a brand value of $5.46 billion, demonstrating the robust advantages of its diversified portfolio of metals and energy assets.
Barrick Gold ranked 17th globally with a brand value of $1.62 billion. Its Brand Strength Index increased by 1.3 points to 77.9, earning it the top spot globally for brand strength.
Brand Finance is a chartered accountancy firm and the world's only independent, third-party brand valuation and strategy consultancy.
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