Quiruvilca Mine

The Quiruvilca Mine sits high in the Andes, in the Quiruvilca District of Santiago de Chuco Province, La Libertad, Peru. It's about 80 km east of Trujillo, a major coastal city, and lies at an elevation of 3,800 meters, offering stunning views but challenging access due to the rugged terrain. The coordinates are approximately 8° 0' 39'' S, 78° 19' 18'' W, making it a remote yet significant site for mineral enthusiasts.

This mine is a treasure trove for crystal collectors, producing copper, lead, zinc, silver, and gold. It's particularly noted for rare finds like orpiment, enargite, hutchinsonite, and pyrite, with a diverse list including albandite, apatite, arsenopyrite, bournonite, chalcopyrite, galena, and sphalerite. These minerals, especially the uncommon ones, make it a must-visit for enthusiasts seeking unique specimens.

The mine's geology is fascinating, with mesothermal and epithermal ore deposits formed in andesitic and basaltic volcanic rocks. It has four distinct zones: the central enargite zone, a transition zone, a Pb-Zn zone, and an outermost stibnite zone, each with unique mineral compositions. Alterations like chloritization and silicification add to the complexity, offering a rich field for geological study.

Mining at Quiruvilca began in 1789, with large-scale operations starting in 1924. It was owned by ASARCO, then Pan American Silver, and most recently acquired by Lida Resources Inc. in 2020. The mine operated continuously from 1940 to 2018, and Lida plans to restart, potentially shifting focus to high-tonnage gold and copper, which could reshape its historical profile.

The local culture is deeply tied to mining, with the district's economy reliant on it, though specific festivals are not well-documented. The climate is typical of the high Andes, cold with distinct wet and dry seasons, which may influence mineral formation and mining conditions. This high-altitude setting adds an adventurous element for visitors.