Billionaire Profile
Cai Jianyong
Global Rank
#1925

Image: Public domain | via Wikimedia Commons

Cai Jianyong

CEO, Lygend Resources & Technology Co., Ltd.
CN
Real-Time Net Worth
$2B
As of December 2025
Age
54
Source
Nickel
Industry
metals-mining
Citizenship
CN

Biography

Cai Jianyong, a 54-year-old Chinese citizen, is the Chairman and founder of Lygend Resources & Technology Co., Ltd., a leading nickel industry chain services provider. With a net worth of $2.0 billion, Cai's wealth stems from the nickel industry, primarily through his company's trading and production of nickel products, essential for stainless steel and electric vehicle batteries. Cai founded Lygend Resources in 2009 after a decade in commodity trading. The company went public on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in 2022, raising capital to expand operations. Cai's career showcases significant achievements in the metals-mining industry, leading Lygend to become a major player in the global nickel market.

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Cai Jianyong was born in 1971. After nearly a decade in the commodities trading business, Cai founded Lygend Resources & Technology Co., Ltd. in January 2009, which is headquartered on the coast of the East China Sea.

Rise to Success

Cai Jianyong's career took a significant turn with the founding of Lygend Resources & Technology Co., Ltd.. The company quickly rose to prominence as a world-leading nickel product trader and nickel ore trader. Lygend became the world's largest nickel product trader and the largest nickel ore trader in China in 2021, with a market share of 26.8%. Lygend's initial public offering (IPO) on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in November 2022, which raised approximately $470 million, further solidified his success. The IPO allowed the company to expand its operations in Indonesia, which is home to a large portion of the world's nickel resources.

Key Business Strategies

Cai Jianyong's key business strategies have centered on the nickel industry value chain. Lygend's operations include trading and production of nickel products, and equipment manufacturing. The company has continuously expanded upstream and downstream within the nickel industry, achieving a leading position in both trading and production. This approach has enabled Lygend to serve diverse downstream sectors, including the NEV (New Energy Vehicle) and stainless steel industries.

Philanthropy

While specific philanthropy amounts are not readily available, Cai Jianyong's leadership of Lygend Resources & Technology Co., Ltd. demonstrates a commitment to contributing to the industry's growth and sustainability. This includes investments in expanding operations, which contribute to local economies and job creation.

Career Milestones

2009

Founded Lygend Resources & Technology Co., Ltd.

Founded Lygend Resources & Technology, which became a leading nickel product trader.

2022

Lygend IPO

Lygend Resources & Technology went public on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.

2024

Appointed General Manager of Lygend

Appointed as the general manager of Lygend on March 28, 2024.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Economic Development

Industry Expansion

Unknown

Investing in production projects and contributing to local economies.