Pingtouling Mine (Dashuihu Mine)
Liannan County, Qingyuan, Guangdong, China
坪头岭铅锌矿, 连南瑶族自治县, 清远市, 广东省, 中国
Key Information
Do not enter mining areas without proper authorization.
Pingtouling Mine is in Liannan County, Qingyuan, Guangdong, China, known for its mimetite crystals.
It produces lead and zinc minerals, with mimetite being a standout for collectors.
The mine is now abandoned and flooded, discovered in the early 2000s.
The area has a rich Yao culture and a humid subtropical climate.
Geographic Location
The Pingtouling Mine, also called Dashuihu Mine, is located in Liannan County, part of Qingyuan City in northern Guangdong Province, China. It's in a mountainous area, roughly at 24° North, 112° East, near the borders with Hunan and Guangxi. This remote setting adds to its allure for mineral enthusiasts.
Minerals Produced
This mine is famous for its skarn-type lead-zinc deposits, primarily galena and sphalerite. However, it's the secondary mineral mimetite, with its vibrant orange to yellow crystals, that steals the show. Other minerals include anglesite, beudantite, scorodite, and arseniosiderite, making it a treasure trove for collectors.
Mining History
Active in the early 2000s, the mine gained fame when mimetite specimens were discovered around 2001-2003 and showcased at mineral shows. It's now abandoned and flooded, known locally as "big water pool," adding a surprising layer of exclusivity to its specimens, as no new finds are possible.
Local Culture and Climate
Liannan County is home to the Yao ethnic group, known for their colorful traditional clothing and rich oral traditions. The area has a humid subtropical climate, with an average temperature of 20.7°C and ample rainfall, supporting diverse forests and rivers.