Chapter 475 - 466 United Mining_1

"Treating cancer cells? Have you guys used up all the funds that you’re applying for a second project?"

Xie Liaofu returned the biology lab’s report with displeasure. Everything at the base was controlled by computers, with the artificial intelligence "Mountain and Sea" intimately summarizing in real-time, ensuring exceptionally clear management, and precisely monitoring the actual dynamics of each department.

Seeing that deception was futile, Xie Miao didn’t get discouraged:

"We’re also planning to order a batch of new experimental equipment and supplies. You’ve got to approve the budget for this, right?"

"How much?"

"I’ll submit the report once I’m back. It should be around two hundred million. And authorize four more robots to serve as lab assistants; we don’t have enough hands."

"Your biology lab sure burns through money, throwing away over a billion without even a splash to show for it."

Although he was tempted to complain, Xie Liaofu still didn’t refuse. The No. 304 Injection project had a high priority, and the base would meet its needs as preferentially as possible.

After sending Xie Miao off, Xie Liaofu got back to his busy schedule, with many tasks at hand at the base these days.

The Pioneer and Glory were about to carry out space station assembly tasks, and the Storm awaited its August 1st launch. Many personnel and pieces of equipment were coming and going. Despite AI management, manual verification was still necessary.

Especially since the two An-1250s had frequent takeoffs and landings, this type of super transport plane always received a cold reception when applying for flight paths, with daily complaints to the Civil Aviation Administration about the difficulty in scheduling. Not long ago, one nearly clipped the tail of a passing 767 due to its large wingspan, earning it the tower’s label of "scheduling destroyer."

Suddenly, a message popped up on his phone. Xie Liaofu picked it up, raising an eyebrow:

"United Mining Company?"

...

Capital.

The United Space Mining Development Co., Ltd, with a registered capital of 10 billion RMB funded jointly by the Aerospace Administration, New Yuan, ten private space firms, and six other domestic and international investment firms, was officially established, referred to as United Mining.

The equity structure of United Mining was such that New Yuan and the Aerospace Administration each held 35%, the private space enterprises involved in Moon mineral resource development shared 20%, domestic investment firms accounted for 5%, and the royal investment by Abe clinched the remaining 5%.

Though it had just been registered, its shareholders spared no expense in booking both the Great Hall and the State Guesthouse for a celebration.

Leaders from each shareholder were present at the event, and many senior government officials also made appearances with speeches.

Lin Ju sat right in the center of the front row, sensing that a company’s inaugural celebration and shareholder meeting had somehow taken on the aura of a national-level important meeting.

Of course, just looking at the attendees, it seemed nearly equivalent, with the China Gold Group also having a 3% stake and sending a director, while the foreign investors were led by Prince Swetan, and the venue’s decor reached the pinnacle.

Clearly, the government placed great emphasis on the establishment of United Mining.

New Yuan had, with actions bordering on going all-in, convinced everyone that space mining had great potential. Coupled with the Aerospace Administration and a series of victories in space endeavors, United Mining was thus grandly established.

The Aerospace Administration, New Yuan, and other private space enterprises mainly contributed technology and tangible assets (such as spacecraft and spaceplanes) as shares, while the remaining shareholders injected significant capital. Board members were allotted according to the percentage of shares owned, with the chairmanship rotating annually.

However, by share percentage and actual control, United Mining was fundamentally under the absolute control of the Aerospace Development Committee, simply using it as a tool to better implement their plans.

"...I hereby officially announce the ’Osmanthus Tree’ ore mining and smelting base construction plan is now launched!"

After the first chairman, the director of the Aerospace Administration’s Lunar Exploration Program Office, Wu Yi, finished speaking, he was immediately engulfed in enthusiastic applause.

Then came the other supportive figures in attendance, with Lin Ju rightfully being the first to step forward.

This was his first time standing at the center stage in front of everyone; the experience was truly astonishing, and it felt like the spotlight was instantaneously upon him.

Skipping the brief introductory remarks, he shouted into the microphone with a firm voice,

"By no later than December, United Mining will organize no fewer than three Moon missions, and a cumulative total of 28 expedition team members from 11 industries will be sent to the Moon.

At the same time, we will establish an outpost base that can accommodate 5 people for long-term stays and 10 people for short-term stays. By 2018, we will complete the construction of a 300-kilometer lunar highway, and by 2020, build a comprehensive smelting base with an annual rough steel output of at least 10,000 tons."

"Within two years, United Mining will bring back the first batch of refined lunar metals to Earth!"

His voice conveyed his determination, and everyone in the audience clapped frantically.

Although it sounded exaggerated, people knew it wasn’t boasting, as New Yuan’s own capabilities could realize this alone. It was these very capabilities that solidified their confidence.

Now, even if some lacked confidence, it was only due to doubts about the profitability of mining; nobody questioned the feasibility.

After Lin Ju, the other shareholders who took the stage also felt much more confident, further believing in the prospects of United Mining.

"Blue Sword Aerospace will provide..."

"Tai Steel Group’s new type of Vacuum Furnace..."

"..."

...

The expectant crowd moved to the state guesthouse, where a grand banquet was held.

People toasted and discussed future business plans very vocally, especially the private aerospace companies that showed up eagerly. They were the stronger participants, directly involved in the "Yu Shu" project, and they tried their best to showcase themselves.

Lin Ju found Academician She, who was silently eating, in a corner and sat down beside him.

"Come, try this boiled cabbage."

"I did, tastes like there’s too much chicken essence in cabbage soup."

"Hahaha," Academician She laughed a few times, then seriously said,

"The nation really believes in your whole space rare metals development scheme now, eh? You should hype it up more online."

Lin Ju, "Hype what? I’m really going to do it!

As for you, you’re preparing to depress the stock price in the market and shear the foreign leeks. United Mining will definitely be profitable."

Academician She, "We’re not leaving you out. At first, the market will think that Space Age rare earths are worthless. Then, when we spread some rumors, they’ll think it’s a bubble stock and unreliable. But who knows? You might really pull it off.

As long as United Mining doesn’t disclose the costs, no, even if we tell the world it’s a loss, it’s still extraordinary because it’s a strategic resource. Stock prices rise and fall; it’s much easier than earning money the hard way."

Lin Ju, "You swindled 2 billion from me... The central authorities are handling the investments; just don’t lose it all, recover some of the losses.

I’m still a bit worried, it’s not like ten years ago; people are becoming more and more cautious."

Academician She shook his head, "No, space is the future’s great environment, constantly courted by the market.

Furthermore, think about it. Any company involved in space will surely express optimism about space mining. It’s the inevitable path of the future. Who would want to burst that bubble?

I think soon all our global competitors will be adding fuel to the fire, helping us propagate the idea."