Pingwu beryl mine

Huya township, Mount Little Xuebaoding, Pingwu Co., Mianyang, Sichuan, China

平武绿柱石矿 (虎牙钨锡铍矿, 雪宝顶钨锡铍矿), 虎牙藏族乡, 雪宝顶山, 平武县, 绵阳市, 四川省, 中国

Key Information

Do not enter mining areas without proper authorization.

The Pingwu beryl mine is located in Huya township, Mount Little Xuebaoding, Pingwu County, Mianyang, Sichuan, China, in a mountainous region known for its high elevation and natural beauty.
It produces beryl (including aquamarine), scheelite, and cassiterite, with uncommon minerals like kësterite and mushistonite.
The geological structure involves metamorphic rocks with granite intrusions, formed through hydrothermal processes.
Mining likely started in the early 1990s, with recent activity in 2019, suggesting it remains operational.
The area features Baima and Qiang cultural influences, is famous for mushrooms, and is part of a giant panda habitat.

Location and Geography

The Pingwu beryl mine sits in Huya township on Mount Little Xuebaoding, part of the Min Mountains in Pingwu County, Mianyang City, Sichuan Province, China. This region, in northern Sichuan near Gansu, is known for its towering peaks, with Mount Little Xuebaoding reaching 5,443 meters. Nearby, the Huanglong Scenic and Historic Interest Area (Mindat) offers colorful pools and waterfalls, adding to the area’s allure for nature enthusiasts.

Minerals and Geology

The mine is famous for beryl, especially aquamarine, alongside scheelite and cassiterite. It also yields rarer minerals like kësterite and mushistonite, attracting crystal collectors. Geologically, it’s a quartz cassiterite-type deposit in schists and marble, intruded by a rare metal granite, with minerals formed through hydrothermal activity linked to these intrusions (Mindat).

Mining History

Research suggests mining began in the early 1990s, with the mine gaining fame for its collectible minerals. Recent discoveries in 2019 indicate it likely remains active, though specific details on scale and methods are less clear, pointing to small-scale operations typical for specimen mining (iRocks).

Local Culture and Specialties

Pingwu County, home to about 180,000 people, blends Baima and Qiang cultures, with Buddhism evident in sites like Bao’en Temple. It’s a hub for mushrooms, particularly shiitake and wood ear, and traditional Chinese cuisine, as showcased by vlogger Li Ziqi (Wikipedia). The area’s giant panda reserves also shape local life, with conservation efforts like WWF projects.

Climate and Ecology