From Guangdong to the DRC Li Jian’s Commitment to Service with Optimism and Expertise

More than 10,000 kilometers away from China, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, an after-sales service engineer from Guangdong is quietly delivering on NMS’s service commitment. His name is Li Jian—a post-80s engineer who values both his work and his life.

Ensuring Commissioning Despite Malaria Risks

“I feel quite adapted to the climate in the DRC, and mosquitoes don’t seem to bother me much,” Li Jian said with a smile. In 2024, he began his overseas assignment in the DRC. The tropical climate, similar to Guangdong’s, made the environment feel more familiar.

In November that year, he was assigned to the Zijin Manono Lithium Project. It was the hottest, most humid season, with heavy mosquito activity. More than a hundred people on site—from civil works teams to installation crews, from the owner to suppliers—were infected with malaria. However, Li Jian remained unaffected. “I think people from southern China are more adaptable to this environment,” he joked.

While many others fell ill, Li Jian maintained an optimistic attitude and continued supporting equipment installation and commissioning. With support from the company and the project team, he overcame multiple challenges and ensured the successful commissioning of the project.

NMS equipment is used at the Zijin Manono Lithium Project.

Solving Big Problems Through Small Details

In his daily work, Li Jian is highly detail-oriented. He noticed that in multiple projects, the tie rods and springs of jaw crushers frequently broke. Although not a critical failure, once broken, the equipment could not be started. After careful inspection, he identified the root cause—installation deviation during construction resulting in misalignment of the tie rods. Since then, at every project site, he has guided customers on proper installation and repeatedly emphasized correct practices. This improvement effectively resolved the issue and earned strong recognition from customers.

This is only part of his daily work. Issues such as damaged locking sleeves, loose connecting bolts, over-lubrication in bearing housings, and excessive bar spacing are all addressed in detail. During every inspection, he leaves no potential risk unchecked.

“Sometimes a small detail can have an immeasurable impact,” Li Jian said. He is always welcomed by customers during inspections. When facing issues caused by improper maintenance, he not only resolves them promptly but also retrains operators to address problems at the source and support stable production.

Li Jian with the client.

“Because on-site conditions are limited, solving problems becomes much more difficult. But I always keep the mindset of meeting customer requirements. If it can be done, we do it; if it seems impossible, we find a way. When necessary, I liaise remotely with the technical team in China. Although we are overseas, we work as one team—they are my strongest support. I believe that as long as we keep meeting customer needs, we will achieve greater success.”

“Safety Messages” Through Social Media

Li Jian enjoys sharing posts on social media. His updates include entries such as: “Day 234 in the DRC: installation of a new NMS jaw crushing station,” and “Day 257 in the DRC: inspection of a jaw crushing line that has been running for 2.5 years, in good condition.” He also shares moments from daily life, including meals and making pickles.

Screenshot of Li Jian’s WeChat Moments

When asked why he posts so frequently, his answer is simple: “I want customers to know I’m always here—they can reach me anytime.” For someone working abroad long-term, these posts are also a way to cope. They serve as updates to family and friends, sending a message of reassurance.

Due to limited network access, he spends his free time walking around the site, chatting with clients, and engaging in simple, childlike activities such as picking mushrooms, catching crabs, gathering wild fruits, and fishing—reminiscent of rural life. Occasionally, colleagues from the NMS’s Central Africa region gather for home-style meals and conversations, sharing a warm, family-like bond.

In 2024, Li Jian spent 10 months overseas; in 2025, 9.5 months. Living abroad for extended periods inevitably brings homesickness, but he has found his own way to make this place a “second home.”

Epilogue

Li Jian may not have dramatic stories to tell. He does not complain. When asked about difficulties, he always responds optimistically: “Everything is fine—no real difficulties.”

His passion for work and life is reflected in his social media posts. An optimistic person finds the positive side, learning from work and enjoying life in nature.

This reflects the spirit of NMS’s after-sales service team: professionalism, attention to detail, optimism, and commitment. Wherever they are, service never stops.