Chapter 332: This is My Empire
Li Tang's visit to Perth wasn't solely focused on matters involving Lumble Resources. The construction of Lianying Mining's own mines had been progressing rapidly, with several projects nearing completion.
After finishing negotiations with Carroll about investing 15 million Australian dollars, Li Tang immediately went to meet Fred at the Kitchi iron ore mine site, as Fred had personally supervised operations there for some time.
"I heard Alice has been busy investing in a gold mining company lately?" Fred asked, leading Li Tang across the sprawling mine.
Stepping on red sand and feeling the dry wind blowing, Li Tang lifted his gaze. What was once a barren wasteland now hosted expansive industrial buildings rising beneath blue skies and drifting clouds. Trucks and heavy machinery were busy, kicking up clouds of dust. It was vibrant, full of human activity.
"Yes, it's called Lumble Resources. You probably haven't heard of it—just a junior exploration company working on a gold exploration project over at Fraser Ridge," Li Tang answered while admiring the bustling scene.
"It seems like you still have plenty of spare cash on hand," Fred remarked pointedly, almost reproachfully. "We've already secured $1.5 billion in financing from Lucati International, along with advance payments from various Chinese steel companies, mostly covering our construction costs. Yet we're still short on funds."
"I'm aware," Li Tang nodded.
"Our mining camp will soon be finished, along with the crushing plant and beneficiation facilities," Fred continued, clearly far more knowledgeable about the mine's progress than Li Tang. "By the end of this year, as more machinery arrives and technical staff complete training, we'll start removing surface soil and begin extracting ore. After a three-month trial run, we can officially start supplying iron ore to fulfill our contracts next year."
As Li Tang observed the magnificent panorama before him, he felt an uncontrollable sense of pride. A thought suddenly surged through him: "This is my empire."
Undoubtedly, at this stage, no one could halt Lianying Mining's rapid growth. Many would envy its success, some would plot sabotage, and others would seek partnership for profit—but none of these schemes could stop Lianying's forward momentum.
Even if Li Tang abruptly lost interest, the Western Australian state government, Australian federal government, and numerous Chinese steel giants wouldn't allow this flourishing money-tree to fall.
Fred noticed Li Tang deep in thought and spoke again, "If you still have spare money, you should keep investing in Lianying Mining. Whether through loans or additional stock issuances, I can help you arrange it."
Li Tang knew Fred assumed he had plenty of money to spare. But in truth, he had limited liquidity—not nearly enough to cover Lianying Mining's future funding gap. No matter what, Lianying Mining would need additional financing.
"How much do we still need to complete the entire three-billion-dollar project?" Li Tang asked.
"Eight hundred million Australian dollars," Fred provided an exact figure. "But costs rise each year due to inflation. Equipment for mining, railway, and port infrastructure might exceed current estimates."
"How much more?"
"Hard to pinpoint exactly," Fred admitted frankly. "But if we can raise another billion, we'll have a cushion of 200 million, substantially reducing funding pressure."
"If our trial run goes smoothly next year and we can sell ore, profits will ease our financial stress," Fred added, sounding optimistic.
Using early profits to finance ongoing construction was certainly practical. However, until the mine started exporting ore, there were no guarantees. If operational delays occurred, they risked missing delivery deadlines, incurring penalties to steel companies, exacerbating their financial pressure.
"One billion Australian dollars," Li Tang muttered to himself. He couldn't solve that problem immediately. Fortunately, there was no immediate urgency.
"Currently, we have enough funds for ongoing construction," Fred explained, not pressing Li Tang further. In fact, Fred had invited Li Tang today primarily to inspect progress and implicitly show off his achievements. After all, despite Fred's leading role, Lianying Mining belonged to Li Tang.
"If production meets expectations next year, you and your team will receive substantial cash bonuses," Li Tang announced spontaneously, viewing the site's impressive progress. "And as stipulated, although your 10% stock options mature gradually, dividends will be calculated immediately based on that 10%."
Fred smiled appreciatively. "We're on the right track."
After inspecting the camp and beneficiation plant, they visited a 20-kilometer rail segment connecting the mine to Rio Tinto's railway network. It was short but fully automated, capable of transporting tens of millions of tons of iron ore annually with just a handful of employees remotely monitoring from Perth.
"Our future railways will be fully automated," Fred explained proudly. "Rail lines have been planned, and construction has already started in challenging areas. We have sufficient funds to pay contractors immediately after work completion—delays result in penalties."
"You're doing it right," Li Tang agreed, understanding such a system boosted efficiency.
"For our railcars, we've held an open tender but haven't yet decided," Fred paused, gauging Li Tang's reaction. "Manufacturers from America and Europe submitted strong bids, but surprisingly, a Chinese heavy-equipment maker from Haigang City also made the shortlist."
Li Tang smiled knowingly; he'd already received repeated requests from that Chinese company, seeking his endorsement to secure this significant order. He'd refused to interfere, honoring his earlier promise of operational autonomy to Fred.
Fred continued, "Haigang's company offered the lowest bid and their technology meets our requirements—I've visited them personally."
"What's your decision?" Li Tang asked cautiously, unwilling to pressure Fred.
"I'm inclined to choose the Haigang manufacturer," Fred responded decisively. "Selecting Chinese equipment could earn goodwill, strengthening our reputation there. As you say, more friends mean more opportunities."
"Great," Li Tang replied, genuinely pleased.
"For mining and port equipment, I'd also like to procure extensively from China," Fred proposed, carefully studying Li Tang's reaction.
"Can Chinese equipment meet the needs of an automated mine?"
"Definitely!" Fred affirmed enthusiastically. "I was surprised how advanced Chinese heavy-equipment technology has become—especially in ports and railway infrastructure, sometimes even world-leading."
Li Tang felt a surge of pride. "You decide," he replied simply.
"If you have no objections, we'll source extensively from Chinese manufacturers," Fred concluded confidently.
"I have none at all," Li Tang confirmed enthusiastically. Nothing pleased him more than channeling significant business to his homeland.
Initially, he'd contracted Australian firms out of necessity; it was impossible to develop such a large project without benefiting local interests. However, using Chinese equipment wherever possible was logical—high quality at competitive prices.
He deliberately avoided pressuring Fred to maintain their professional harmony, comfortable playing the role of an investor rather than meddling in operations.
The next day, they visited Port Hedland. Standing on overgrown land several kilometers inland, Fred announced, "Our new port will be right here."
He wasn't joking. "We'll dredge a 20-meter-deep channel. At high tide, it will allow ships up to 200-300 thousand tonnes. At low tide, ships will wait offshore until the next high tide."
Li Tang already knew this plan. "As long as we can get ore out, it's acceptable."
"It's practical for now," Fred admitted reluctantly. "But if our mine eventually reaches 150 million tonnes annually, we'll need deeper ports or specially designed shallow-draft carriers, though they're expensive."
"That can wait until we're profitable," Li Tang remarked. They couldn't perfect everything immediately; each step required patience.
After inspecting thoroughly, Li Tang had no major objections and soon returned to Beijing.
Receiving a call from Niu Fu, Li Tang visited Wukuang Group's headquarters, finding Cheng Muye also present—now managing the newly reorganized Huajin Group.
"You're a rare sight these days!" Cheng joked lightly.
Li Tang laughed modestly, "I'm always running around."
"Huajin Group is now China's top gold company—congratulations," Li Tang praised sincerely.
"And you're the richest man now!" Cheng laughed in return.
"That's just rumors," Li Tang waved dismissively, genuinely modest about his wealth. His enterprises still lacked the deep foundations of truly powerful conglomerates.
He quickly addressed Niu Fu, "How have you been lately?"
"Very well," Niu Fu sipped tea calmly. Then, glancing sideways at Cheng Muye, he remarked slyly, "I heard from Cheng that you've found a major gold deposit in Australia?"
Li Tang raised his eyebrows. "Hm?"
Li Tang discovered that no matter where he went, no matter how discreetly he tried to act or how desperately he wanted to protect his privacy, he inevitably failed.
He had barely returned from investing in a gold mining project in Australia, yet news of it had already spread back home!
It felt as though there was an invisible pair of eyes fixed on him from above, watching his every move.
"It's already in the news," Cheng Muye laughed heartily. "That's where I found out about it."
"What news is that? How do they get their information so quickly?" Li Tang felt he had absolutely no privacy. "I haven't even returned home yet, and you already know about something I did thousands of miles away!"
"So, it is true!" Cheng Muye immediately became excited. "The news reports say you invested in and discovered a massive gold mine in Australia, with estimated reserves of 200 tons, a thickness of 20 meters, and an average grade of 11 grams per ton! They also analyzed the economics—the ore body is less than a hundred meters below the surface, making it extremely easy to mine!"
As an experienced veteran in the gold mining industry, Cheng Muye deeply understood the significance of such a mineral deposit.
A thickness of 20 meters with an average grade of 11 grams per ton!
11 grams per ton!
This was truly a world-class high-grade deposit!
Previously, Li Tang had explored a copper-gold deposit in Tubo Province, which had drawn attention from numerous domestic mining companies due to its hundred-ton gold reserve. That was the Gongcun copper-gold mine, where the gold grade was only about 0.3 grams per ton!
The gap between 0.3 grams per ton and 11 grams per ton was immense!
Moreover, the reported reserve of 200 tons exceeded the largest known gold mine in China—the Lannigou gold deposit in Qianzhou Province, with its 150 tons of total reserves.
If the Tropicana Gold Mine were in China, it would undoubtedly rank first, a true golden phoenix!
On top of that, news suggested the ore body was shallow and easy to exploit.
It was practically a flawless gold mining property, sufficient to attract fierce competition from global mining giants!
Driven by these alluring factors, Cheng Muye had done everything possible to find out when Li Tang would return to China, even asking Niu Fu to arrange a meeting at the earliest opportunity.
He knew Li Tang and Niu Fu had a strong relationship, and having Niu Fu arrange the meeting would certainly create a favorable impression.
"There's actually a 5 to 10-meter-thick section averaging around 10 grams per ton," Li Tang corrected the exaggerated data from the news, though internally he remained amazed by the media's ability to relentlessly chase after him. "Which news agency or reporter learned about this so quickly? This just happened, and already everyone here knows!"
"You're the richest man—who wouldn't be curious about what you do?" Niu Fu seemed unbothered. "I'm sure if someone found out you'd used a public restroom somewhere, reporters would rush there to take pictures, claiming it was the richest man's restroom."
Li Tang laughed helplessly.
"But you've done well," Niu Fu praised sincerely. "Despite your fame, outsiders barely know any real details about you—there isn't even a widely circulated photo of you. Young people who can handle fame as calmly as you are very rare."
"My mom called me recently, telling me journalists had shown up at my old school, trying to find photos from my student days. Back then, who had the money to take pictures? Luckily, they didn't find any—otherwise, who knows how my image would be distorted?" Li Tang expressed genuine admiration for these relentless journalists. "I still worry that if my appearance became publicly known, criminals might target me. Robberies on motorcycles, violent thefts—they're increasingly frequent. A fat target like me needs to be careful."
"The Nonferrous Metals Daily has your photo," Niu Fu said suddenly.
"Huh?" Li Tang abruptly remembered he had indeed been interviewed by Nonferrous Metals Daily before.
"A while ago, when a rich-list publication named you as China's richest person, the Nonferrous Metals Daily wanted an interview, but you declined," Niu Fu explained. "Since many knew you'd previously worked at our Wukuang Group, reporters approached us for information. The Nonferrous Metals Daily specifically mentioned they had your picture, asking me if they could publish it. Thankfully, I persuaded them not to."
"Luckily, that paper isn't very influential," Li Tang recalled with relief. "But I do remember they published my photo before."
"Famous nationwide, yet you don't seem pleased at all," Niu Fu teased. "You're young, successful, and admired by countless young women. Most people would do anything for your level of fame, yet you seem to discard it easily."
"I don't care about these things," Li Tang replied earnestly. He just wanted to focus on his own pursuits and enjoy life without interference from outside distractions.
Niu Fu noticed Cheng Muye had grown impatient. "The main reason we called you here today is because Mr. Cheng has something to discuss with you."
During their casual conversation, Cheng Muye had already organized his thoughts. As the general manager of the Huajin Group, he usually never had to plead with anyone. Whenever he announced a project, people scrambled to cooperate.
But Li Tang was different—he had extraordinary capabilities. Cooperating with Li Tang often required some extra humility.
Previously, when Huajin Group wanted to acquire the Gongcun copper-gold mine for 50 million yuan, Li Tang had rejected their offer. Though the mine had decent reserves, its low grade made its future uncertain.
But the Tropicana Gold Mine now making headlines in Australia was genuinely exceptional—a truly rare, world-class deposit.
"You know why I'm here," Cheng Muye smiled.
Returning to the gold mine topic, Niu Fu sighed, "I only just heard Mr. Cheng talk about it. You're amazing, kid—you've discovered yet another massive deposit!"
"The gold project in Australia was purely coincidental," Li Tang explained modestly.
"A 200-ton high-grade gold deposit—is it real?" Niu Fu asked bluntly.
"It's real." Li Tang nodded, adding more detail. "Only a part of it is very high-grade; other sections are lower grade. Currently, exploration is still in the early stages, but based on my experience, the 200-ton estimate should hold true."
Hearing this assurance, Cheng Muye immediately felt relieved. "Do you control the mine?"
"No." Li Tang knew exactly what Cheng was thinking. "We own about thirty percent of the shares, making us the second-largest shareholder. The founders of Lumble Resources hold controlling stakes."
"Any chance for us to participate?" Cheng Muye inquired eagerly.
"Yes, but not immediately," Li Tang explained straightforwardly. "Once exploration concludes and we move toward development—which will require considerable funding—you'll have an opportunity."
Cheng sighed, disappointed but understanding. Great opportunities were never easy to seize. Even domestically, securing a hundred-ton gold deposit required substantial effort and resources, let alone acquiring a foreign asset without special connections.
Disappointed, he glanced at Li Tang, amazed at how Li Tang constantly found himself involved in major projects. From Pebble Project's massive 3,000-ton gold resource to Tarego Copper-Gold's 1,300-ton reserves, Li Tang was always at the center of global-scale discoveries.
Still, high-grade projects like Tropicana could be rapidly developed, making them even more attractive.
"Any thoughts about selling your shares?" Cheng probed carefully.
"Not at the moment," Li Tang smiled. "Let's revisit this after exploration concludes."
Cheng knew it was hopeless for now but grasped Li Tang's hand earnestly, "Next time you invest in gold, please remember our Huajin Group!"
"Absolutely!" Li Tang readily promised.
Satisfied with the meeting, Cheng asked, "Are you free tonight? Let's grab dinner."
Li Tang glanced at his watch and replied apologetically, "I rushed here straight from the airport, but unfortunately, I have urgent matters tonight."
"Can't postpone a little?" Cheng insisted warmly.
"Next time, I'll treat you instead," Li Tang smiled gently, excused himself, and rose to leave.
Niu Fu escorted Li Tang to the elevator, joking as the doors closed, "Some have proposed capturing you, putting shackles on your ankles, and forcing you to discover new mineral deposits every day for the country!"
"Working in shackles? That sounds like forced labor!" Li Tang replied jokingly, but with a hint of nervousness.
"Relax, nobody will really do that," Niu Fu laughed warmly.
Watching the elevator descend, Niu Fu sighed sincerely, "If only we'd kept Li Tang here at Wukuang Group, perhaps we'd be the world's largest mining company today!"
Cheng laughed ruefully, "Li Tang's skills are astonishing. Wherever he goes—copper, iron, gold—he uncovers huge deposits. I wonder where he learned all that?"
"From our Wukuang Group, obviously!" Niu Fu joked confidently.
"You're shameless!" Cheng laughed heartily, "Since Li Tang isn't free tonight, let's have a drink ourselves?"
"Certainly!"
Meanwhile, Li Tang hurried toward Shenxia Group headquarters.
It was quitting time, and Li Xingchao emerged from the building, chatting cheerfully with executives.
Seeing Li Tang, he asked, "Back from Australia already?"
"Just landed," Li Tang smiled warmly.
Li Xingchao approached, "I heard about that massive gold find of yours in Australia. You're really thriving!"
Li Tang laughed lightly, shaking his head. Good news traveled astonishingly fast indeed.
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