Xinhai Mining Chairman Elon Zhang Attends Northeastern University Mining Centennial Conference and Presents Xinhai Scholarships

From September 12 to 13, the 15th National Forum for Deans of Mining, Petroleum and Safety Schools and the Northeastern University Mining Discipline Centennial Innovation and Development Conference were held in Shenyang, China, marking the 100th anniversary of Northeastern University's mining discipline.

As an alumni representative, board member and adjunct professor of Northeastern University, Elon Zhang, Chairman of Xinhai Mining Group, was invited to attend the event. He joined experts and scholars from across China's mining sector, university leaders, faculty members, students and alumni to look back on the development of the university's mining discipline and discuss its future development.

01Xinhai Scholarship Awards RMB 200,000 to 43 Northeastern University Students

On the afternoon of September 13, the Xinhai Scholarship Award Ceremony was held at Northeastern University.

Elon Zhang, Chairman of Xinhai Mining; Ma Xiangqin, Minister of the Human Resources Department; Xu Feng, former Vice President of Northeastern University and Chairman of the Zhang Xueliang Education Foundation; Zhan Cheng, Deputy Director of the Office of the Zhang Xueliang Education Foundation; Ai Guosheng, Secretary of the Party Committee of the School of Resources and Civil Engineering; and Liu Wanting, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee and Vice Dean of the school attended the ceremony.

Following a selection process, 3 doctoral students, 14 master's students and 26 undergraduate students from the School of Resources and Civil Engineering were selected as recipients of the annual Xinhai Scholarship.

A total of RMB 200,000 in scholarships was awarded to the 43 students. Elon Zhang and Ma Xiangqin presented the scholarships to the recipients.

(Awarding scholarships to outstanding doctoral students)

(Awarding scholarships to outstanding master's students)

(Awarding scholarships to outstanding undergraduate graduates)

Representatives of the scholarship recipients expressed their appreciation to Xinhai Mining and Northeastern University. They also said they would value the recognition, continue their studies and work hard to achieve further progress.

At the ceremony, Elon Zhang delivered a speech as a representative of Xinhai Mining. He shared his long-standing connection with his alma mater and encouraged students to remain grounded while pursuing ambitious goals and to contribute their knowledge and energy to the high-quality development of China's mining industry.

(Remarks by Elon Zhang, Chairman of Xinhai Mining)

02Strengthening Industry-Academia Cooperation

As a member of the fifth Board of Directors of Northeastern University and an adjunct professor, Elon Zhang has continued to support education and contribute to his alma mater.

In 2025, Northeastern University held the Xinhai Scholarship Award Ceremony and Adjunct Professor Appointment Ceremony. A total of 3 doctoral students, 14 master's students and 26 undergraduate students received the 2025 Xinhai Scholarship. Elon Zhang presented the awards and was appointed as an adjunct professor of Northeastern University, marking a further step in industry-academia cooperation between Xinhai Mining and the university.

Since the establishment of the Xinhai Education Fund, a number of outstanding Northeastern University students have received support and encouragement. Xinhai Mining and Northeastern University have also continued to strengthen cooperation in talent development, scientific research and technology transfer.

The scholarship has also shown positive results in supporting students' academic development. According to statistics, among the undergraduate scholarship recipients from the 2020–2022 cohorts, all but one student chose to continue their education after graduation. One student signed with Shougang Mining Company, while the other 30 students continued their studies at the graduate level.

(2025 Xinhai Scholarship Award Ceremony and Adjunct Professor Appointment Ceremony)

These students were admitted to leading Chinese universities, including Tsinghua University, Zhejiang University, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Wuhan University, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Tianjin University, Tongji University and Northeastern University.

Their continued academic development reflects the role of the Xinhai Scholarship in supporting students and encouraging the development of future talent in the mining field.

03A New Century for Mining Education and Industry Cooperation

As Northeastern University's mining discipline enters its second century, Xinhai Mining will continue to fulfill its social responsibilities and strengthen cooperation with universities in areas including industry-academia collaboration, scientific research and technological innovation.

Xinhai Mining looks forward to working with Northeastern University and other mining universities across China to support the development of the mining industry, encourage the growth of young professionals and contribute further knowledge and expertise to the future of China's mining sector.