Daoping Mine

Mindat.org

Gongcheng Co., Guilin, Guangxi, China

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Key Information

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  • Daoping Mine is located in Gongcheng County, Guilin City, Guangxi, China, known for its karst landscapes.

  • It produces pyromorphite, a green lead phosphate mineral, highly valued by collectors, along with other lead and zinc minerals.

  • The mine is a hydrothermal deposit in Devonian limestone, sandstone, and shale, with granite and lamprophyre intrusions.

  • Mining operations have been active since at least 2003, connected underground with Yangshuo Mine.

  • The area features Oil Tea, a local Yao ethnic specialty, and a subtropical climate supporting diverse ecology.

Geographic Location

Daoping Mine sits in Gongcheng County, part of Guilin City in Guangxi Province, southern China. This region is famous for its stunning karst landscapes, with limestone mountains and the Li River drawing tourists. The mine is near the border with Yangshuo County, and it's part of a larger operation connected underground with the Yangshuo Mine since 2003 (Mindat.org).

Minerals Produced

The mine is a lead-zinc deposit, producing minerals like pyromorphite, known for its vibrant green color and prized by collectors, as well as galena, sphalerite, calcite, cerussite, descloizite, and dundasite. Pyromorphite stands out as a collector's favorite, adding an unexpected aesthetic appeal to the mineral list (Mindat.org).

Geological Structure

It's a hydrothermal deposit formed in Devonian-aged limestone, sandstone, and shale, with granite and lamprophyre dykes intruding the area. Hot water solutions likely deposited the lead and zinc minerals in fractures, creating a complex geological setting (Mindat.org).

Mining History

While exact start dates are unclear, the mines have been connected since 2003, suggesting active operations at least from then. The collaboration with Yangshuo Mine indicates a modern approach to extraction, though historical details are limited (Mindat.org).

Local Culture and Climate

Guilin is a tourist hotspot, and Gongcheng County is known for Oil Tea, a traditional Yao ethnic beverage. The climate is subtropical, with hot, humid summers and mild, dry winters, supporting a rich ecological environment (China Daily, Mindat.org).

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