BEIJING- A former chairman of Jiangxi Copper Co 600362.SS , one of China's biggest copper smelters, has been placed under investigation, the graft watchdog of China's ruling Communist Party said on Wednesday.

Li Yihuang, 55, who is vice governor of Jiangxi province, is suspected of "severe breaches of discipline", a statement on the website of the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection said, a term commonly used to refer to corruption.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has waged war on deep-rooted graft since coming to power more than five years ago, locking up dozens of senior officials and executives.

Li spent almost 30 years at Jiangxi Copper, rising through the ranks to become general manager and chairman before leaving in 2013.

Reuters was unable to reach Li or a representative for comment.



(Reporting by Tom Daly; additional reporting by Ben Blanchard, editing by David Evans) ((tom.daly@thomsonreuters.com;))