Chapter 223: Shazhai Molybdenum Industry
Lin Feiming was still brooding over the fact that Li Tang had refused the 50,000 yuan he tried to give him—it had become a knot in his heart.
Could that money be accepted?
No.
This wasn't about the amount of money; it was about dignity and pride.
Li Tang took his time explaining, gently and sincerely, until he finally dissuaded Feiming from forcing the issue.
It was just like when he came to visit his aunt's family—he was determined to help them secure compensation, not because he pitied them, but because he respected them.
Whether it was 80,000 yuan or 200,000 yuan, for Li Tang, those were small sums.
Even the favor he now owed Geng Feiran couldn't be measured in terms of tens or hundreds of thousands of yuan.
If Li Tang had wanted, he could've handed his aunt's family a stack of cash to solve all their problems.
But he hadn't.
Not because he was stingy, but because it was a matter of principle and respect.
Fortunately, the situation was resolved smoothly—and seemingly without any long-term consequences.
After having dinner with his aunt's family, Li Tang returned to his hotel. Early the next morning, he gathered Alice, He Runqi, and the others and went straight to the Huizhou Provincial Geological Bureau.
His aunt had already promised over dinner that she would help him, and true to her word, she was waiting for him at the entrance.
"I've spoken with our office director, and he arranged a meeting with the bureau's leadership. You can meet with them today."
Li Xiuhui had taken Li Tang's business very seriously. She had started preparing for this two days ago, speaking to both the leadership and the archive room staff.
Everyone worked in the same bureau, and people got along well—so out of respect for her, they all readily agreed to cooperate.
At this point, Li Tang essentially had a pass to access any materials he needed.
It's true what they say: connections make everything easier. Having someone inside really does change everything.
The bureau director's office was fairly large, though modestly decorated. The windows opened upward and had to be propped open with an iron rod—a nostalgic touch from a different era.
When they entered, Geng Feiran and the director, Zeng Yuhua, were already deep in conversation.
Knock knock.
As soon as they heard the knock, both men turned and saw Li Xiuhui, Li Tang, and the rest walk in.
"There you are!"
Geng Feiran immediately stood up from the wooden sofa and came to greet them. "Let me introduce everyone. This is the renowned exploration expert, Li Tang. And this is Director Zeng Yuhua of the Geological Bureau."
"So young!" Zeng exclaimed as he shook Li Tang's hand.
Then he turned to Li Xiuhui, puzzled. "Director Li, this is the person you wanted to introduce to me?"
"Uh… yes…"
Li Xiuhui was confused. She didn't fully understand the relationships unfolding in front of her. "You two already know each other?"
"I know him," Zeng said, pointing at Li Tang with a chuckle. "Though he might not know me."
"Director Zeng, you're too modest," Li Tang said with a smile. "Allow me to introduce my aunt."
"She's your aunt?" Zeng laughed. "Then it seems you and our geological bureau are connected by fate. This visit could almost be called a family reunion."
"A happy coincidence indeed."
Just a few words and the distance between them disappeared. Li Tang had worried he might get a cold reception, but now it was clear those fears were unfounded.
"Director Zeng, if there's nothing else, I'll leave you to it," Li Xiuhui said. Seeing the conversation going smoothly, she quietly excused herself.
Still, she was puzzled. She had no idea how her nephew had such close ties with these bigwigs.
After some brief pleasantries, they got to business.
"I heard from President Geng that you want to launch a project here in Huizhou?" Zeng asked.
"Yes. The area we've selected has excellent exploration prospects, and the current exploration license belongs to your bureau," Li Tang answered directly. "We've pooled funding from several major companies and plan to carry out detailed surveys. But before we proceed, we'd like to purchase the exploration license from the bureau—if you're open to it."
"Which license?" Zeng asked.
"The one in Shazhai County."
"Shazhai?" Zeng looked puzzled.
An assistant nearby reminded him, "In the 1970s, our Bureau's Third Geological Team discovered a copper-molybdenum mineralization belt in Shazhai. A detailed survey was planned but got shelved in 1981 due to economic restructuring. Then in the 1990s, the team circled out several polymetallic prospects—silver, lead, zinc, and copper."
"Ah, that one," Zeng said, finally remembering. The license had multiple signs of mineralization, though no significant ore bodies had ever been confirmed. Work had remained superficial.
They had lacked funding and advanced technology, so little progress had been made.
The exploration rights were considered to have potential—but only that.
The assistant placed a folder on the desk. "The Third Geological Team is currently applying for funding from the Geological Survey Fund. This is the proposal document for the 'Shazhai County Lead-Zinc Mineral Survey Project.'"
Zeng had seen it before and handed it to Li Tang. "Is this the project?"
"Yes, exactly," Li Tang confirmed after a quick glance. "The proposed budget is three million yuan, but once the expert panel reviews it, it'll probably be cut down to around two million. That amount can't accomplish much."
"Still, even a little is something," Zeng said with a chuckle. "It's hard for any geological team these days. Getting a project approved at all is a win. I think this project has potential—the area does show promise."
"My opinion is, you can stop applying for Geological Survey Fund money. I've brought the funds—thirty million yuan in exploration investment. Spend it as you like."
Li Tang said this with confidence, his words bold and generous.
He knew showing financial strength was the only way to gain their trust.
This project had been on the bureau's radar since the 1970s. They believed in its potential—they just lacked resources.
That said, even if they were optimistic, discovering a valuable deposit still involved luck.
Even now, the project proposal was focused on lead and zinc, which meant they were still heading in the wrong direction.
The Shazhai region's mineral belt could contain anything—hence their "try-everything" approach. It was a blind search and bound to be full of detours.
In the original timeline, they tried lead, then copper, and finally molybdenum. In 2008, by sheer luck, one exploratory drill hole struck the core of a massive molybdenum deposit—the largest single molybdenum deposit in China's history.
Zeng didn't know the future value of the license. He just saw it as a decent lead that might qualify for a modest funding project.
But now, hearing Li Tang offer thirty million, he was understandably intrigued.
"You really have that kind of backing?" Zeng asked.
"Of course. I'm not doing this alone. I've got Luoyi Molybdenum, Hongda Group from Yizhou Province, Gaolu Potash from Tuyuhun Province, and President Geng's Tongdu Nonferrous Group," Li Tang said confidently.
"My plan is simple—we buy the exploration license outright. We'll pay your bureau three million yuan up front. On top of that, we'll invest twenty-seven million yuan in exploration, and your bureau will be the one executing the work."
Before Zeng could respond, his assistant was already visibly excited. "That sounds very promising!"
But Li Tang wasn't done.
"Also, we'll retain 3% of the mine's future revenue for your bureau—no conditions. If we strike ore and begin production, your bureau will automatically receive 3% of all mineral sales."
A 3% royalty, if the mine went into operation, could bring the bureau billions in long-term revenue.
Li Tang had thought this through carefully. He had learned from his negotiations with BHP that offering a royalty was a good-faith gesture.
After all, generations of geologists from the bureau had worked this site. Even if they hadn't found the deposit yet, they had laid the groundwork.
If Li Tang didn't intervene, the bureau would likely discover the ore one day and claim 100% of the rights.
But lacking capital, they would never develop it effectively.
Now that he had funding and partners, taking everything without leaving a share for the bureau would be unjust.
And Li Tang wasn't that kind of man.
Zeng was deeply moved by the offer.
Even if he didn't fully grasp the future value of a 3% royalty, the thirty million investment alone was enough to win him over.
Getting three million in grant money from the national fund was tough—let alone thirty million from the private sector.
As Zeng and his team quietly discussed the proposal, Li Tang signaled to Alice, who placed a file on the desk.
"We've already prepared the license transfer agreement and the exploration services contract."
"You came very well prepared," Zeng noted, surprised at Li Tang's meticulousness.
Li Tang gave a slight nod. "That's how we do things."
"Swift, precise, and decisive," Geng Feiran added.
"Li Tang's achievements over the past few years speak for themselves. Him choosing Huizhou for his next project is a huge blessing for our province."
Still, Zeng remained cautious. "Give us a little time to discuss internally."
While the bureau deliberated, Li Tang and his team headed to the archives to study the Shazhai project's history.
Qian Hao came on behalf of Kunshang Group.
Gaolu Potash sent Dengba from the Sixth Geological Team of Tuyuhun, along with several technical experts.
Hongda Group dispatched a returned overseas scholar named Lu Shengwen, a native of Dashi, Yizhou Province.
All of them began carefully analyzing the project materials.
Although no one had formally signed investment agreements yet, all parties had sent trusted technical personnel for due diligence.
Even with faith in Li Tang's expertise, they wanted a clear picture.
By the time the workday ended, Li Xiuhui came to check in. "Coming home for dinner?"
Li Tang glanced at the meeting room and shook his head. "I'll be busy these next few days. Once things settle, I'll visit again."
She could tell her nephew was no ordinary man and didn't say much, only offering, "If there's anything I can help with, just say the word. I may not be able to move mountains, but I can handle small stuff."
"You've helped me plenty, Aunt."
Li Tang smiled. "Go on home."
The next morning, Zeng called Li Tang's group into his office and announced, "Our leadership has unanimously agreed to your proposal!"
Li Tang quietly let out a breath of relief.
He had been worried they'd reject the offer, considering the value of the license.
But with their approval, things could finally move forward.
They began the formal process of establishing Shazhai Molybdenum Industry Co., Ltd., finalizing the license transfer agreement, and executing a 30-million-yuan exploration contract.
Meanwhile, they needed to complete the formal investment agreements with the other backers.
After contacting Liu Shanlong, Yu Yong, and Xiao Yongyue, a meeting was scheduled. The three regional tycoons flew to Huizhou to finalize the contracts.
They stayed at the same hotel, which had a conference room set up specifically for the signing ceremony.
Though they had already signed letters of intent, today's ceremony would make it official.
The only change was Tongdu Nonferrous joining in.
Li Tang had negotiated with Geng Feiran: Tongdu would invest ten million yuan, just like the others.
But to avoid diluting the other shareholders, their portion would come out of Li Tang's share options.
Originally, Li Tang was entitled to up to 51% equity.
With Tongdu joining, his cap dropped to 34%.
This was a deliberate choice—partly to repay Geng, partly because having a local powerhouse like Tongdu involved would make everything easier.
He had already informed the other three investors, and they had agreed.
Today, everyone gathered to complete the formal partnership.
It was a moment of ceremony—like entering a marriage contract.
"Li Tang!"
Just as he was reviewing the final terms aloud, Liu Shanlong stood up and interrupted.
"Our Hongda Group has made a new decision."
"What do you mean?" Li Tang asked, startled. He had worked tirelessly on the project and thought the framework was secure.
"We're withdrawing from investing in Shazhai Molybdenum."
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