Amo Sn deposit

Ximeng County, Pu'er, Yunnan, China

Key Information

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The Amo Sn deposit is located in Ximeng County, Pu'er, Yunnan, China, near the Laos and Vietnam border.
It primarily produces cassiterite (tin ore) and the unique mineral ximengite.
Research suggests the deposit formed from granite intrusions during Mesozoic or Cenozoic periods.
Mining likely occurred in the mid-to-late 20th century and may no longer be active.
The area is home to the Wa people, known for their rich cultural traditions.
The climate is subtropical with distinct wet and dry seasons, supporting diverse ecosystems.

Geographic Location

The Amo Sn deposit lies in Ximeng County, part of Pu'er City in Yunnan Province, China, in the southwestern region near the borders with Laos and Vietnam. The county seat is about 732 km from Kunming and 235 km from Pu'er, nestled in the scenic Awa Mountain area, known for its natural beauty.

Minerals Produced

The deposit is famous for cassiterite, a tin ore, prized for its gemmy, high-quality crystals. It also features ximengite, a mineral unique to this locality, adding an unexpected twist for collectors seeking rare finds.

Geological Structure

It seems likely that the deposit is linked to granite intrusions from the Mesozoic or Cenozoic periods, shaped by the region's complex tectonic history involving the collision of the Indian and Eurasian plates.

Mining History

The evidence leans toward the deposit being mined in the mid-to-late 20th century, possibly now inactive, with Yunnan Tin Group potentially involved, though details are sparse.

Local Culture and Characteristics

Ximeng County is predominantly inhabited by the Wa people, an ethnic minority with a rich cultural heritage, including their own language, traditions, and festivals, offering a vibrant cultural backdrop.

Climate and Ecology

The area has a subtropical climate with a rainy season from May to October and a dry season from November to April, supporting forests, mountains, and possibly agricultural lands, enhancing the ecological context.