China's non-ferrous metals sector is making a leap in digitalisation with Kun'an 2.0 AI model

China’s non-ferrous metals industry is moving decisively towards large-scale industrial deployment of artificial intelligence in complex industrial scenarios.The shift was highlighted recently in Beijing with the unveiling of Kun’an 2.0, a purpose-built AI large model for the non-ferrous metals sector, alongside a series of digital transformations.

Building on Kun’an 1.0, which was released last year as the industry’s first dedicated AI large model, Kun’an 2.0 has significantly expanded its capabilities. The upgraded platform now covers more than 100 application scenarios spanning mining, smelting, processing, safety management and energy optimisation. Of these, 52 scenarios with strong potential for wider industry adoption were officially released, supported by eight high-quality industry datasets, marking concrete progress in applying AI at scale.

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Duan Xiangdong, Chairman of Aluminum Corp of China (Chinalco) has himself acknowledged the efficiency of this AI tool, saying: “The launch of Kun'an 2.0 is not simply an iteration of the previous version, but a significant leap in capabilities and ecosystem expansion,” said Duan Xiangdong, chairman of Aluminum Corp of China (Chinalco). 

Chinalco, one of the world's major aluminium producers, has integrated AI throughout its operations, linking digital innovation with national strategic priorities and long-standing operational issues.

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From an industry standpoint, Ge Honglin, president of the China Non-Ferrous Metals Industry Association, stated that deep digital-intelligent integration is not only necessary for high-quality development and transformation, but also a critical pathway for traditional industries to foster new quality productive forces and build a modern industrial system.

Looking ahead, Hu Wujie, deputy director of the Planning and Development Bureau of the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of the State Council, said that large-scale activities for embodied intelligence industry communities will be organised, gradually expanding from pilot projects to broader participation by diverse market entities.

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