Huanzala Mine
Huanzala, Huallanca District, Bolognesi Province, Ancash, Peru
Key Information
Do not enter mining areas without proper authorization.
Huanzala Mine is located in the Huallanca District, Bolognesi Province, Ancash Region, Peru, in the Andean mountains at about 3,540 meters elevation.
It is famous for pyrite and fluorite specimens, with lead and zinc as primary minerals, and includes rare minerals like huanzalaite.
The geological structure involves Cretaceous limestone with quartz porphyry intrusions, leading to skarn and hydrothermal mineralization.
Mining started in the 1960s under Cia. Minera Santa Luisa, owned by Mitsui Mining & Smelting Co., with a capacity of 1,200 tons/day.
The area has a rich Andean cultural heritage, with pre-Inca and Inca influences, and a high-altitude climate with wet and dry seasons.
Geographic Location
Huanzala Mine is nestled in the heart of the Andean mountains, specifically in the Huallanca District of the Bolognesi Province in Peru's Ancash Region. At an elevation of approximately 3,540 meters, it offers a breathtaking mountainous backdrop, ideal for mineral enthusiasts seeking both adventure and discovery.
Minerals Produced
The mine is renowned for its exceptional pyrite and fluorite specimens, with pyrite often displaying large, mirror-like crystals and fluorite sometimes showing color-changing properties (green in artificial light, blue in daylight). It also produces significant lead and zinc, primarily through sphalerite and galena. Other minerals include calcite, quartz, bournonite, and the rare huanzalaite, named after the mine, making it a unique find for collectors.
Geological Structure
The host rock is limestone from the Lower Cretaceous Santa Formation, with ore bodies that are bedded or lenticular, replacing the limestone. Quartz porphyry intrusions have led to skarnization and hydrothermal replacement, creating a complex mineralization process that includes pyritization, followed by zinc, lead, and copper deposition.
Mining History
Originally known as San Jose de Huanzala, the mine was reopened in the 1960s by Cia. Minera Santa Luisa, a subsidiary of Mitsui Mining & Smelting Co. from Japan. It has since operated with a capacity of 1,200 tons per day, contributing significantly to both industrial output and the global mineral specimen market.
Local Culture and Characteristics
The Huallanca District is steeped in history, with influences from pre-Inca and Inca cultures. The local community’s traditions are intertwined with mining, reflecting a rich Andean heritage. Visitors can immerse themselves in this cultural blend, enhancing their experience beyond mineral collecting.
Climate and Ecology
The high-altitude climate features temperate to cold temperatures, with a wet season from October to April and a dry season from May to September. The ecology is typical of the Andean highlands, with diverse flora and fauna adapted to the mountain environment, adding to the region's scenic and biodiverse appeal.