Lead Mine Pass | |
Place: | South of New Territories, Hong Kong |
Pushpin Map: | Hong Kong |
Pushpin Label Position: | top |
Products: | tungsten, lead, zinc, copper |
Discovery Year: | 1935 |
Opening Year: | 1938 |
Closing Year: | 1967 |
Lead Mine Pass is a mountain pass in the New Territories, Hong Kong. It is near Grassy Hill and two walking trails, MacLehose Trail (Stages 7 & 8) and Wilson Trail (Stage 7) intersect at the pass.[1] The pass lies to the north of Shing Mun Reservoir.
Tungsten ore were discovered in Lead Mine Pass during the time when the Shing Mun Reservoir was being constructed. Mining of tungsten ore began in 1938. However, due to the Korean War, prices of tungsten rose steeply. Leading to an increase of unlicensed mining in the area. These mining activities eventually stopped in 1967, abandoning operations of all the mining facilities.[2]
Other ores, for instance Lead, Zinc and Copper, were found in Lead Mine Pass and mined.
Mining tunnels and facilities can still be found nowadays. They are dangerous to enter as they have not been maintained and has ceased operations.