The Ma On Shan Iron Mine
HF: The Ma On Shan Iron Mine operated for 70 years between 1906-1976. Small-scale open cast mining was carried out between 1906-1949, with underground mining beginning in 1953.
Source: Royal Geographical Society (HK)
Mining had moved entirely underground by 1959. Major development work occurred in the 1960s, after all the reserves in the upper levels had been exhausted. In 1963, 5,458 metres of main tunnels and shafts and 3,000 metres of sub-levels, including 5 main ore passes, were constructed.
Source: Alamy
A 2.2 kilometre long haulage drive was constructed at the 110 metre level, with a new portal near the processing plant only 200 metres from the coast. During the mid-1970s, a worldwide decline in the demand for steel, the opening-up of large iron deposits in Australia, and the termination of a contract to supply Japan, led to mining being suspended in March 1976.
Source: Getty images + SCMP
The workforce of 400 was laid off and the mining lease expired in March 1981.
Source: Hong Kong Geology a 400 million year journey
This article was posted on 21st November 2024.
Related Indhhk articles:
- Ma On Shan Mine, Part One, The Open Cut Years
- Ma On Shan Mine, Part Two, Going Underground
- Ma On Shan Iron Mine – a timeline