China Minmetals is engaged in the production and trading of metals and minerals, including copper, aluminum, tungsten, tin, antimony, lead, zinc, and nickel.

In the United States, the company operates as Minmetals Inc, with its North American headquarters located in Weehawken, New Jersey, US.

It is a member of the United Nations Global Compact's LEAD, a new platform established in January 2011 for corporate sustainability leadership.

In the field of ferrous metal, China Minmetals remained the top steel trader of the nation and sped up the development of its upstream industrial chain.

[7] It continues its operations in Russia despite the country's widely condemned invasion of Ukraine and the imposition of international sanctions.

Reports indicate that the Chinese government has been in discussions with state-owned enterprises, including China Minmetals, to explore potential investments in Russian energy and commodity companies.

[8][9][10] This approach has drawn criticism for indirectly supporting Russia's economy amid the ongoing war, which has resulted in significant civilian casualties and widespread devastation in Ukraine.

[12] The deal in which the Golden Grove, Sepon, Century, Rosebery, Avebury, Dugald River, High Lake and Izok Lake Mines as well as some exploration assets were sold for US$1.354 billion by OZ Minerals to China Minmetals,[13] initially also including the Prominent Hill Mine, but was blocked by the Australian Government, citing national security concerns.