Ma On Shan Iron Mine – a timeline

The following timeline adds to the several articles on our website about the largest mine in Hong Kong’s history.

Thanks to SCT for proofreading the retyped version.

1906 Hong Kong Iron Mining Company obtained the exploration license and mining license in Ma On Shan and started small-scale open pit mining.

1931 The New Territories Iron Mining Co. Ltd. received an exploration and mining lease lasting for 50 years. They were later transferred to Mutual Mining and Trade Co.

1953 The iron in the middle and upper levels was starting to deplete. Mutual Mining and Trade Co. co-operated with Nittetsu Mining Co. Ltd. from Japan to start underground excavation.

1959 Iron mining work had completely moved underground.

1960 Peak mining period – average annual production reached 200,000 tins and sometimes reached 400,000 tons. The ore was exported to Japan to refine.

1976 Operation ceased in March, 1976 due to the increase in cost, decrease in demand and competition from iron mines in Australia. 400 workers were unemployed.

1981 Mining license expired.

Source:
Hong Kong Mining History, Jackie C.T.  Chan Chu and Jacky S.L. Chan, Chu Chun Tak & Chan Sik Lap, 2015

This article was first posted on 12th March 2022.

Related Indhhk articles:

1. Ma On Shan Iron Mine , Hong Kong Naturalist, 1931
2. Ma On Shan Iron Mine, Kuhn Mines Ltd, railway(s)
3. Ma On Shan iron Mine, recent underground images
4. Ma On Shan Iron Mine  – SCMP article, nearby miner’s village, three buildings restored
5. Ma On Shan Mine – Part One, The Open Cut Years
6. Ma On Shan Mine – Part Two, Going Underground
7. Kuhn Mines Ltd, railway(s) at Ma On Shan mine – any information needed!
8. Ma On Shan Iron Mine – biggest mine in HK – recent underground images
9. Ma On Shan Iron Mine – recent damage caused to explosives storeroom
10. Ma On Shan Iron Mine 1906-1976, open-pit and underground mining
11. Ma On Shan Iron Mine – underground film, 2014