Zinnwald-Cínovec mining region
Ore Mountains, Europe
Zinnwald; Cínovec; Cinvald, Erzgebirge; Krusné Hory, Sachsen & Čechy (Ústecký Kraj), Deutschland & Česká Republika
Key Information
Do not enter mining areas without proper authorization.
The Zinnwald-Cínovec mining region is located in the Ore Mountains, on the border between Saxony, Germany, and Bohemia, Czech Republic, known for its historical mining significance.
It produces tin, tungsten, and lithium, with lithium gaining attention for battery production.
The geological structure is a Li-Sn-W greisen deposit, formed by granite intrusion, with complex mineralization processes.
Mining started in the Bronze Age, with major activity from the 13th century, and recent plans focus on lithium extraction.
The region has a harsh climate with cold winters and short summers, and its ecology includes diverse forests and rare species, shaped by historical mining.
Location and Minerals
The Zinnwald-Cínovec mining region sits in the Ore Mountains, a range stretching along the German-Czech border, with key areas in Saxony, Germany (Zinnwald), and Bohemia, Czech Republic (Cínovec). This region is famous for its mineral wealth, producing tin (as cassiterite), tungsten (as wolframite and scheelite), and lithium (in zinnwaldite), with lithium recently highlighted for battery-grade hydroxide production.
Geological and Historical Insights
Geologically, it’s a Li-Sn-W greisen deposit, formed by the intrusion of Zinnwald albite granite into Teplice rhyolites, with mineralization in greisen beds and veins. Mining history dates back to the Bronze Age for cassiterite, with significant activity from the 13th century, driving technological innovations, and now focusing on lithium for modern needs.
Climate and Culture
The climate is harsh, with average annual temperatures of 3–5°C, long cold winters, and heavy snowfall, earning it the nickname "Saxon Siberia." Ecologically, it features the Ore Mountains/Vogtland Nature Park, with 61% woodland, rare species like orchids, and cultural impacts from centuries of mining, reflected in local museums and traditions.