Leshan

Sichuan, China

乐山市, 四川省, 中国

Key Information

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Leshan, Sichuan, China, is a significant area for mineral enthusiasts, with diverse deposits like molybdenum and quartz.
Research suggests it features minerals such as molybdenite, enriched with rhenium and osmium, and varieties like amethyst.
The evidence leans toward a rich mining history, including both traditional and modern activities, with some sites still active.
It seems likely that the region's geology includes sedimentary and hydrothermal formations, influencing mineral variety.

Geographic Location

Leshan is located in southern Sichuan Province, China, about 120 km from Chengdu, at the confluence of the Dadu and Min rivers. It lies on the southwestern edge of the Sichuan Basin, near famous sites like Mount Emei and the Leshan Giant Buddha (Leshan Wikipedia). Nearby, Emeishan City is notable for geological formations, enhancing its appeal for mineral exploration.

Minerals Produced

Leshan hosts a variety of minerals, particularly in Jinkouhe District and Muchuan. Jinkouhe is known for baryte, calcite, epidote (from Hongxizhen), and quartz varieties like amethyst and rock crystal (Mindat Jinkouhe). Muchuan features molybdenite, enriched with rhenium and osmium, alongside albite and chalcopyrite (Mindat Muchuan). Emeishan City’s Xuanwei Formation includes pyrite and chamosite, linked to coal seams (Mindat Xuanwei).

Geological and Mining Context

The region’s geology spans sedimentary molybdenum deposits in Muchuan, hosted in Jurassic quartz sandstones, and hydrothermal activity suggested by Jinkouhe’s minerals. Mining history includes the Muchuan deposit, indicating past or ongoing molybdenum extraction, while Jinkouhe has mining areas like Hongxizhen. Modern activities, such as Bitcoin mining, also utilize the area’s cheap hydroelectric power (Bitcoin Mining in Sichuan).

Citations

Wikipedia