ZIJIN Mining Group Co, owner of China's largest gold mine, will increase its stake in copper-pipe maker Jinyi Copper Co to boost sales and help the pipe maker increase production. Zijin will increase its stake to 49 percent from 40 percent with an investment of 82 million yuan (US$12 million), the Fujian Province-based company said yesterday.

The registered capital of Jinyi Copper, based in Shanghang, Fujian, will rise to 200 million yuan from 40 million yuan, the company said. Other partners, including Minxin Xinghang, also increased their investment in Jinyi Copper.