Xi Huashan Tungsten Mine
Xi Huashan tungsten mine is located in Huandian Ping’an Village, 98 km away from Wugang, Hunan province. It was a large collapsed clam-shell type tungsten deposit with tungsten content of 0.2%. The total resources had estimated to be 99,000 tonnes. The ore was hosted in dolomite, limestone, basalt and shale. The dolomite formed the core of the ore body. The ore grade is relatively low, but the ore body is extensively distributed and there is little dip.
The deposit had formed in magmatic process. The magma invaded into the dolomite portion of the rock formation and dissolves it to form a vein. Heat had caused the tungsten to leach out and deposit as a vein in the surrounding limestone. A thin sheet of basalt, which contains potassium and magnesium, had then condensed on top of the tungsten deposit. This process continued until tungsten had reached a saturation threshold, at which point further leaching ceased and no more tungsten would be available.
Tungsten is an important raw material for the production of high speed steel and alloys. Its tensile strength and density makes it ideal for use in cutting and welding tools. It is also used in the making of automobile engine parts. The Xi Huashan tungsten mine is the major source for tungsten in the region.
In the first phase of mining, the ore body is mined using open pit mining method. The ore is then crushed and the tungsten separated using jig separators. After that, the concentrate is transported to a local reprocessing facility, where further separation and concentration of tungsten is done. The end product is then sold to be used in various industries.
The Xi Huashan tungsten mine is a large operation and produces high quality tungsten concentrate. It has been operating since the mid-1980s and is an important asset to the local economy. The mine also includes ancillary services such as a small laboratory used to test ore samples and a tailings pond for storing and processing the ore. The mine is well managed and operations are carried out in a safe and efficient manner.
The Xi Huashan tungsten mine is a valuable asset to the region and its contribution to the local economy is immense. The processing and production of high quality tungsten concentrate makes it an essential part of the areas industrial infrastructure. Mining operations are regularly monitored and evaluated and the mine strives to maintain a high level of safety, quality and productivity.
