Tongling Copper Mine Site

Tongling Copper Mine Site

The Tongling Copper Mine Site is a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

1. Early Age: Carbon-14 dating conducted by the Australian National University, Peking University, and the Xi’an Loess Quaternary Geology Research Laboratory of the Chinese Academy of Sciences on 21 wood samples from the site shows that mining began in the middle Shang Dynasty, approximately 3,300 years ago.

2. Well-Preserved: The site features clear stratigraphy and distinct layering, giving us a relatively systematic understanding of pre-Qin mining techniques. In terms of mining methods, there was a progression from open-pit to underground mining, including three types of operations: ore breaking, ore removal, and ground pressure management. In terms of development approaches, it evolved from a combination of vertical shafts and horizontal tunnels in the middle Shang Dynasty to a more complex system involving vertical shafts (or inclined shafts), horizontal tunnels, and blind shafts during the Western Zhou period. Depending on different geological conditions, tunnels were supported either naturally or artificially. Overall, the site constitutes an early Chinese mining technology system.

3. Rich Remains: Through five scientific excavations, over an exposed area of 1,800 square meters at the mining site, 103 vertical shafts and 19 horizontal tunnels have been uncovered. Three smelting areas have been revealed, with slag scattered across approximately 170,000 square meters, estimated at a total of about 100,000 tons. Other remains include sheds, ore dressing sites, open-pit mines, trough pits, material processing areas, and enclosed shelters. Artifacts comprise tools used for excavation, hoisting, loading, transporting, washing, lighting, and drainage, as well as daily utensils. The Tongling Copper Mine Site is one of the symbols of China’s Bronze Civilization and holds a unique historical position in the study of the development of China’s Bronze Age.

Further Reading:

· Fifth Batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units